Quiet Moments -- Richly Blessed

I asked God for strength, that I may achieve,

I was made weak, that I might learn humbly to obey…

I asked for health, that I might do greater things,

I was given infirmary, that I might do happier things…

I asked for riches, that I might be happy,

I was given poverty, that I might be wise…

I asked for power, that I might have the praise of men,

I was given weakness, that I might feel the need of God…

I asked for all things that I may enjoy life,

I was given life, that I may enjoy all things…

I got nothing that I asked for- but everything I had hoped for;

Almost despite myself, my unspoken prayers were answered.

I am among the most richly blessed.

- An Unknown Confederate Solider

Have you been nurturing a grateful heart today…for everything?

Quiet Moments -- Resting on the Rock

Yesterday, in my devotions, the verse I picked to meditate on throughout the day was Psalm 112:7:


"He shall not be afraid of evil tidings: his heart is fixed, trusting in the LORD."




Not be afraid...


.....of financial loss.....death of a loved one.....an unnamed disease......ridicule by friends.....car accident.....what the future holds.....


The word "fixed" here means prepared.  Before the troubles come, this person's heart was prepared.  He was prepared because he trusted in the One who holds the future in His omniscient hands.  Therefore, he could rise each morning with an unexplainable peace and joy because his heart had already been prepared to trust God with whatever would happen that day.

Charles Spurgeon wrote in his famous commentary on the book of Psalms:

"His heart being fixed in solid reliance upon God, a change in his circumstances but slightly affects him; faith has made him firm and steadfast, and therefore if the worst should come to the worst, he would remain quiet and patient, waiting for the salvation of God."

What is your heart fixed upon today?  Is it fixed upon the Solid Rock?

Quiet Moments -- Follow Me

FOLLOW ME 
By Ira Stamphill 

I traveled down a lonely road and no one seemed to care, 
The burden on my weary back had bowed me to despair, 
I oft complained to Jesus how folks were treating me, 
And then I heard Him so so tenderly, 
"My feet were also weary upon the Calv'ry road, 
The cross became so heavy I fell beneath the load, 
Be faithful weary pilgrim, the morning I can see, 
Just lift your cross and follow close to me." 

"I work so hard for Jesus" I often boast and say, 
"I've sacrificed a lot of things to walk the narrow way, 
I gave up fame and fortune; I'm worth a lot to thee," 
And then I heard Him gently say to me, 
"I left the throne of glory and counted it but loss, 
My hands were nailed in anger upon a cruel cross, 
But now we'll make the journey with your hand safe in mine, 
So lift your cross and follow close to me." 

Oh Jesus if I die upon a foreign field someday 
'Twould be no more than love demands, no less could I repay, 
"No greater love hath mortal man than for a friend to die," 
These are the words he gently spoke to me, 
"If just a cup of water I place within your hand 
Then just a cup of water is all that I demand," 
But if by death to living they can thy glory see, 
I'll take my cross and follow close to thee.

What cross do you need to give up today to follow Christ? 

Despair? Pride? Fear? Selfishness?