Jehovah was not in the wind. And after the wind, an earthquake: Jehovah was not in the earthquake.
And after the earthquake, a fire: Jehovah was not in the fire. And after the fire, a soft gentle voice. (1Kings 19:11-12)

Monday, November 4, 2013

More of Him Who is Stronger {#Morevember}

"Make a joyful noise to the Lord, all the earth!
Serve the Lord with gladness!
Come into his presence with singing!
Know that the Lord, he is God!
It is he who made us, and we are his;
we are his people, and the sheep of his pasture.
Enter his gates with thanksgiving,
and his courts with praise!
Give thanks to him; bless his name!
For the Lord is good;
his steadfast love endures forever,
and his faithfulness to all generations."
(Psalm 100)


For days I wake with the feeling of knives cutting my throat. Each morning that I stir and the jabbing pain persists, the weariness increases. I carry on as best as I can.

But Sunday morning, when the daylight savings has ended and we've fallen back in time, I wonder if I should just stay home and rest.

While I linger in bed a morning to myself seems tempting. I think of the promised quiet.

My husband brings me a glass of orange juice and lovingly informs me the coffee is ready, but only after I drink my o.j. My taste buds are off and I don't even desire a cup of coffee but I gulp down the orange.

And I get up and dressed for church.

There's been tormenting winds and biting words. The noise of this house has not been all that joyful. And as much as I disciple these children of mine in our home on speaking words of respect to one another, I need to keep hold of my own tongue that threatens to whip words that burn, and refuses to be tamed.

The constant battle leaves the warrior desperate for hope. We are just broken ones clinging to the cross.

I'm weak and weary and worn, but I need the communion.

So I come out for breakfast and join my family. Rest can come later.

I need the community, the fellowship, the singing, the breaking of the bread, the prayers, the teaching and exhortation.

We roll in just in time, or as some may consider late. We find five seats and plop our Bibles and bags down around us. And I'm sure I've frustrated my husband for making us 'just in time', but he graciously never bothers to mention it. His heart has been preparing to share with the believers of how Jesus is the only One we need.

We remain standing to sing. I'm no singer on the best of days, and I'm cutting in and out, singing bass, a few octaves lower than my normal mezzo-soprano. But these words beg to be sung. And at the chorus, I break, and raise my raspy voice.

There is love that came for us
Humbled to a sinner’s cross
You broke my shame and sinfulness
You rose again victorious

Faithfulness none can deny
Through the storm and through the fire
There is truth that sets me free
Jesus Christ who lives in me

You are stronger, You are stronger
Sin is broken, You have saved me
It is written, Christ is risen
Jesus You are Lord of all

No beginning and no end
You’re my hope and my defense
You came to seek and save the lost
You paid it all upon the cross


There's my hope. More of Him. 

Of Him who is Stronger. 

When I was nothing but a sinner.

When the storms of life rage.

When I am weak.

When I have no hope.

More of Jesus Christ who lives in me.

My hope set on the living God, who is my Saviour.

His mercies are new every morning and His goodness never ends. 

His grace unfolds and in the joy of the Lord, He gives strength.


"The covenant of grace set down in the Scriptures of the Old and New Testament, with so many rich promises, to strengthen the faith of every weak 
believer, makes the matter of God's praise and of his people's joy so sure, that how sad so ever our spirits may be when we look to ourselves, yet we shall have reason to praise the Lord when we look to his goodness and mercy, and to what he has said in his word for our comfort."
~ Matthew Henry
***


Hunting for more of God's Grace, Steadfast love and His Mercies that are new every morning in 'Morevember'.

3 gifts ~ gathered, given, good:

~believers gathered together making a joyful noise unto the Lord

~ a hug given to a dear woman as we cry out to God for reconciliation

~how good it is to live in unity 

I invite you to hunt along with me for more of His mercy and grace in #Morevember on Facebook and Twitter.

Enter your email address to subscribe to A Soft Gentle Voice and have this series delivered to your inbox.   

4 comments:

  1. I love this hunting for more of His grace. His grace and mercy was seen all weekend as I gathered with other soldiers and their family members as we all prepare for this upcoming deployment. He was so present!
    Blessings to you.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. He always is, if only we would be still long enough to notice. "Be still and know that I am God."

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  2. Your grace-filled words always, always point to our Savior. So grateful for you in community with us at #TellHisStory.

    (Have you thought about adding a "PIN IT" button to your photo-graphics? They are so lovely!)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you, Jennifer! It is such a grace-filled community and I do love to Tell HIS Story!

      (I have thought about it, I just haven't invested the time to figure out how to do it, yet! Thank you! And perhaps its time I learn!)

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