WHEN YOU ARE PLAGUED.....

Come, sit, and enjoy a cup of tea or coffee in the comfort of the Lord:  "Let all bitterness, and wrath, and anger, and clamour, and evil speaking be put away from you, with all malice."  Ephesians 4:31

When you are plagued by a persistent problem - one that goes on and on - view it as a rich opportunity.  An ongoing problem is like a tutor who is always by your side.  The learning possibilities are limited only by your willingness to be teachable.  In faith, thank Me for your problem.  Ask Me to open your eyes and your heart to all that I am accomplishing through this difficulty.  Once you have become grateful for a problem, it loses its power to drag you down.  On the contrary, your thankful attitude will lift you up into heavenly places with Me.  From this perspective, your difficulty can be seen as a slight, temporary distress that is producing for you a transcendent Glory never to cease! 

"Jesus Calling - Enjoying Peace in His Presence"

Wise Discerners Of Time

Come, sit, and enjoy a cup of tea or coffee in the comfort of the Lord:  "Let all bitterness and wrath and anger and clamour and evil speaking be put away from you with all malice."  Ephesians  4:31

                ".... a wise man's heart discerneth both time and judgment."  Ecclesiastes  8:5

     It is said that the great cathedral of Milan has a beautiful triple-doored entrance.  All three doorways are crowned by splendid arches, artistically carved with thought-provoking inscriptions.  Over one is a wreath of roses etched in stone with the legend:  "All that which pleases is but for a moment."  Over another is sculptured a cross accompanied by the words:  "All that which troubles is but for a moment."  On the largest doorway of all, however - the great central entrance to the main circle - there is this most telling of all the inscriptions:  "That only is important which is eternal!"  Indeed, as life moves inexorably onward there will come both passing pleasures and bruising sorrows.  Only the spiritually wise recognize that all these experiences must be trustfully woven together so that the texture of life which results is well pleasing to God and worthy of being exhibited in His eternal "Gallery of Rewards."

     Harleigh M. Rosenberger has written most poetically,  "Life is like a fine piece of Oriental tapestry, put together with many exquisite strands.  It has the gold of success, the crimson of suffering, and the somber hues of sorrow.  Through the grace of God, all of these are made into a pattern of beauty.  Through every experience, God can help the person weave a fabric of loveliness and wisdom."

     The year ahead is untried - it is a beckoning tomorrow fraught with new experiences and possibilities.  The wise in heart will enter it with faith, hope, and Scriptural optimism, determine to take advantage of every God-given opportunity.

But once I pass this way, and then - and then,
    The silent door swings on its hinges - opens - closes -
And no more I pass this way.
    So while I may, with all my might,
I will assay sweet comfort and delight
    To all I meet upon the Pilgrim Way,
For no man travels twice the Great Highway
    That climbs through darkness up to light,
Through night - to day!
                                           - John Oxenham

"Bread For Each Day"