Kristen Holmberg- In 1848, engineer Charles Ellet Jr. puzzled over how to begin the process of constructing the first bridge over the Niagara Falls gorge. How would they get a cable across the river?
Prompted by a dream, Charles decided to host a kite-flying contest. American teenager Horman Walsh won five dollars when his kite landed on the American side of the river. Homan's kite string was secured to a tree and used to pull a light cord back across the river, then progressively heavier cords until heavy wire cable was in place. This was the small beginning of the construction of the Niagara Falls Suspension bridge.
The bridge's challenges and inauspicious beginnings mirror those faced by those working to rebuild God's temple after returning from captivity in Babylon. An angel awakened the prophet Zechariah with a message that nothing would thwart God's work— it would all be accomplished "by [His] Spirit" (Zechariah 4:6).
Some of those who'd seen the temple in it's previous glory were fearful that the rebuilt version would pale in comparison (Ezra 3:12) The angel encouraged Zechariah that they shouldn't "despise the day of small things" because God would "rejoice' in seeing the work begun (Zechariah 4:10).
Even though the tasks God has appointed to us may seem insignificant, we can be encouraged knowing He uses small things—like kite strings—to accomplish His great works.
Let's pray- "Dear Father, thank You for being faithful to your plans." Amen!
#138- Testimony- GrJean
When I desperately needed guidance as to refurbishing my new bank login page after accidently deleting it, I asked the Lord for help! While I was resting, the thought that came was the answer! I was to scroll down the list of past bookmarks, and as I did, the bank title was there several days ago. I checked it, and up came the login that I was looking for! I now have the bookmark on the first bookmark space, so I won't accidentally delete it again, I hope!
1836-1840 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-
1836- Ez. 44:16 "They shall to minister unto me."
1837- Is. 2:19b "For fear of the LORD, and for the glory of His majesty."
1838- Hosea 12:6 "Therefore turn thou to thy God: keep mercy and judgment,
and wait on thy God continually.
1839- Neh. 5:6a "I was angry when I heard."
1840- Ecc. 8:6a "To every purpose there is a time and judgment."
"As we walk together this road called cancer, our souls will find solace and hope in music. I encourage singing or reading the precious promises found in the hymns. Singing brightens our spirits and keeps our eyes focused on joy rather than sorrow. When the days are low, lift up a song. Sing out and breathe in the precious truths and powerful promises of the old hymns."
#138 Hymn- God Will Take Care Of You
One Sunday in 1904, Civilla Martin was in Lestershire, New York, where her husband, Walter, was compiling a collection of hymns for the Practical Bible Training School. They were planning to travel to another town that day, for Walter had a preaching assignment.
Civilla woke up sick, and Walter was about to cancel his plans, when their young child piped up and said; "Oh, Daddy, you don't have to stay home because of mother—
God will take care of us."
Walter proceeded to the train station and fulfilled his appointment. When he returned, Civilla handed him the words of "God Will Take Care of You," which she had written in his absence. Going to his little organ, Walter composed the music, and it was first published in the songbook was compiling for the school.
Some encouraging words- By Andrew Murray
"As we learn what it means that Christ is our life, we shall count all things but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus our Lord. In the path of following Him, and ever learning to know and to love Him better, we shall willingly sacrifice all, self with its life, to make room for Him who is more than all."
Church Notes: SIMPLE PRAYER IS THE BEST PRAYER
- We're to acquire a sensitivity to the things of God and to develop a sense of listening to the Voice of the Spirit.
- We must be living lives pleasing to God.
- We're joined with God through Jesus, and we can also call Him, "Father."
- The reality of heaven needed to come to earth.
- Sit silently, reflecting on the God of heaven, the Father who dwells in unapproachable Light.
- Praise is sacrifice. It is something we do to please God. It must cost us something to do it; time, effort, money.
- Praise can be learned by sitting still and sensing His Presence. There can be no power without God.
"Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse, [church] that there may be [spiritual] food in my house. Test me in this," says the LORD Almighty, "and see if I will not throw open the floodgates of heaven and pour out so much blessing that there will not be room enough to store it." Malachi 3:10
(Many have proven this to be true, including me, Jean Oathout)
Upcoming posts:
23rd- THE EXCHANGE- JASMINE GOH
30th- PARTING WORDS- Dave Branon
6/6th- MARRIAGE - A TEAM EFFORT- Janet Thompson
Jean's blog (Click to see snippets of the 7 recent posts)
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