Thoughts for Life: Rusty Hinge

Just one more thought or maybe two well maybe even more
About the One the scriptures say is waiting at the door
The One Who's been so graceful in His dealings over time
The One Who sees His own rewards He gives in place of mine

As many know He loves us by the Sacrifice He made

When on that cross so long ago that Price through love He paid

Not bowing to the feelings one might have while hanging there

Who had the power in Himself not in our pain to share

(Google image, Jesus knocking at the door)

But hung there while the insults of the wicked came His way

The foolish evil leaders and the ones that they could sway

To blaspheme Him with lies against the Chosen that He was

Condemning as if they were judge and not God's Lamb for us

And then when heaven shook the earth that moment He expired

And from the battle He could rest the Victor faint and tired

A transformation there began for those not known before

As chosen for His legacy like Israel but more

For there we too were pardoned from the past with all its sin

There God provided an escape for all to welcome in

The newness of His Spirit through the cleansing of His Son

And though before not chosen now by faith to be as one

One people as one nation no more Jews and Gentiles bred

But children as one people by adoption as He said

A pure and royal priesthood if in heart we choose to be

Peculiar in our words and ways for all the world to see

Reflected in our presence He Who always called us friends

Who is always beside us 'til the time this short life ends

And promises if faithful He will come for us again

This time with crowns and robes of white that we like Him might reign

Upon His throne together though not of our own accord

But simply by accepting what we could not here afford

That promise of salvation free to all who turn from sin

And choose right now to open up our hearts to let Him in

So if the hinge is rusty and your heart's door opens slow

Because there's much you're focused on you still desire to know

Ask God for grace to lubricate your mind to be like His

For this great invitation is the one you must not miss

Revelation 3:14-22; 1 Peter 2:1-10

Rusty Hinge

Let's pray-

"Father, in the name of Jesus, lift me up, and give me grace to trust You more. In these last days I take my stand in the land of the living, and I shall stand on holy ground. I shall not be afraid because You will hide me in Your shelter in the day of trouble; You will conceal me under the cover of your tent. You will lift me high upon a rock, and my head shall be lifted up above my enemies. I praise You with shouts of joy, singing and making melody to you, my Lord and my God, in the name of Jesus. Amen"

Psalm 27

Prayers That Avail Much dailyprayers@prayers.org

216-220 one-line Scriptures for those of you who want to learn some more this week-

216- 1 Chron. 16:11 "Seek the LORD and his strength, seek his face continually."
217- Ps. 99:5 "Exalt ye the LORD our God, and worship at his footstool; for he is holy."
218- Ps. 118:29 "O give thanks unto the LORD; for he is good: for his mercy endureth for ever."
219- James 1:3 "Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience."
220- Ps. 34:3 "O magnify the LORD with me, and let us exalt his name together."

Today's quotes- Jane Ault

"Lord, be my focal point all through the day.
 Instruct me and guide me; teach me your way.
  
 Lord, be my comforter all through the night.
 In every affliction, capture my sight.
  
 Let my eyes, always, behold your dear face
 That filled with joy, I may finish this race.
  
 Not with the pride of presumption, oh God
 Would I choose suffering and pain as my lot—
  
 Thinking I possibly merit could earn.
 Delight in dependence, Help me to learn.
  
 Faith in your goodness is all you require.
 Mercy, not sacrifice, is what you desire.
  
 Lord, not avoidance of trials will I seek, rather
 Peace that comes from a heart that is meek—
  
 From a heart submitted, joyful and true—
 One that finds pleasure in following you."

~ Darren Cannon- "As you seek God He will deliver you.  He will have mercy on your life and He will allow His glory to shine through you and in you.  That glory is a living thing that transforms. It is the Holy Spirit inside of you leading you into the truth that you need to live the best life possible - a life hidden in Him. It starts with surrender but it ends in transformation of your spirit, soul and mind. So see Him and don't give up. A new day is coming."

Words of wisdom-
~ When something ails you, do you ask for a friend to pray with you? That is what church is for. When we lose our grip on life, let's ask Jesus to help bring things together, and then reach out to someone to pray with/for us.

Our guest post: Vents and Laments

Susan Hoekstra

"During one season of my life, my husband and I lived in two different cities.

Each weekend, he traveled home two hours each way without complaint.

My job was intense, and I found myself exhausted. One of the ways I processed the stress was “venting.” Each weekend when he arrived, I vented about my dissatisfaction with the job. Although he patiently listened, after several months, I realized how negative I had become . . . "

Special notice:

Beginning Wednesday, March 18, the pastors of CFC churches joined together to provide a daily devotional.
"Streams in the Desert" will provide a short Scripture reading and a brief message from one of the pastors every day for the coming season.

We will

--post the daily devotional on the church website,

--post it on a dedicated Facebook page, and

--share it by email. [Enter your email to receive it daily]

The home pages of the website: https://www.cfconline.org/

The livestream link: https://www.cfconline.org/live

Sermon listing: https://www.cfconline.org/sermon-library

Coronavirus and the End Times | Prophetic Update
https://youtu.be/uHX2RjTi_Vk [Well worth watching!]

Jean's blog (Click to see snippets of the 7 recent posts)