Thoughts for Life: GOD IS MY HELPER

Arthur Jackson- "My friend Raleigh is sprinting toward his eithty-fifth birthday! Since my first conversation with him more than thirty- five years ago, he's been a source of inspiration. When he recently mentioned that since retiring he'd completed a book manuscript and started another ministry initiative—I was intrigued but not surprised.

At eighty-five, Caleb in the Bible wasn't ready to stop either. His faith and devotion to God had sustained him through decades of wilderness living and wars to secure the inheritance God had promised Israel.

He said, 'I am still as strong today as the day Moses sent me out; I'm just as vigorous to go out to battle now as I was then' (Joshua 14:11). By what means would he conquer? Caleb declared that by 'the LORD helping me, I will drive them out just as he said' (v.12).

Regardless of age, stage in life, or circumstances, God will help all who wholeheartedly trust Him. In Jesus, our Savior who helps us, God was made visible. The Gospel books inspire faith in God through what we see in Christ. He demonstrated God's care and compassion for all who looked to Him for help.

As the writer of Hebrews acknowledged, 'The Lord is my helper; I will not be afraid' (Heb. 13:6). Young or old, weak or strong, bound or free, sprinting or limping—what's keeping us from asking for His help today?"

Let's pray- Almighty God, please help me to see You as my source of help in all circumstances."

(The picture is one of my cards, as God has been my Helper in making them!)

#48- Poems of Faith by Helen Steiner Rice-

Not by Chance or Happenstance

"Into our lives come many things

to break the dull routine

The things we had not planned on

that happen unforeseen,

The unexpected little joys

that are scattered on our way,

Success we did not count on

or a rare, fulfilling day—

A catchy, lilting melody

that makes us want to dance,

A nameless exaltation

of enchantment and romance—

An unsought word of kindness,

a compliment or two

That sets the eyes to gleaming

like crystal drops of dew—

The unplanned sudden meeting

that comes with sweet surprise

And lights the heart with happiness

like a rainbow in the skies . . .

Now some folks call it fickle fate

and some folks call it chance,

While others just accept it

as pleasant happenstance—

But no matter what you call it

it didn't come without design,

For all our lives are fashioned

by the HAND THAT IS DIVINE—

And every happy happening

and every lucky break

Are little gifts from God above

that are ours to freely take."

1266-1270 One-line Scriptures for those of you who want to learn some more verses this week- or to review them from when they were first posted-

1266- Ps. 71:24a "My tongue also shall talk of thy righteouosness all the day long."

1267- Is. 14:1a "For the LORD will have mercy."

1268- Prov. 25:22b "The LORD shall reward thee."

1269- Ps. 57:3b "God shall send forth his mercy and his truth."

1270- Ps. 61:7a "He shall abide before God for ever."

#48 Hymn- There Is A Fountain

The information about this song, is taken from the book by Robert J. Morgan, THEN SINGS MY SOUL (pg.69)

"William Cowper is one of God's gracious gifts to those suffering from depression. Cowper shows us that our emotional struggles often give us heightened sensitivity to the heart of God and to the needs of others."

Some encouraging words-

Karen Huffaker- "We don’t have to do things alone. We may not want to admit it because we fear showing our weakness to others, but we need the Lord for wisdom to make the right decisions, strength to tackle the many challenges we face, protection from a world gone wild, and provision for our needs and those of our loved ones—not to mention crises and emergencies. Our help comes from the Lord, creator of heaven and earth. If He can stand guard over all creation, He can stand guard over us, ready to help at any time."

Upcoming posts:

8/9- THE FRAGRANCE THAT LINGERS- Mary Tisinger

17th- THE POWER OF CHRIST- OCHITL Dixon

24th- WHEN IT'S TIME- Anne Cetas