When I said I do

From: Christian Womanhood 

Are We There Yet

Text: 2 Cor. 1:3-7

           2 Co 1:3 Blessed be God, even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies, and the God of all comfort;

           2Co 1:4  Who comforteth us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort them which are in any trouble, by the comfort wherewith we ourselves are comforted of God.

           2Co 1:5  For as the sufferings of Christ abound in us, so our consolation also aboundeth by Christ.

           2Co 1:6  And whether we be afflicted, it is for your consolation and salvation, which is effectual in the enduring of the same sufferings which we also suffer: or whether we be comforted, it is for your consolation and salvation.

2Co 1:7  And our hope of you is stedfast, knowing, that as ye are partakers of the sufferings, so shall ye be also of the consolation.

   Weather going to a relative’s house that lives hundreds of miles from you, or some vacation spot; the anticipation of getting on the road and leaving the world’s problems behind is something you look forward to. The day finally comes, you load up the family, and off you go. You have planned everything, but what you did not expect was the traffic jams, car troubles, and the child who got sick during the trip. To make matters worse, that all important question that every child asks pops up, “are we there yet?” Your thought at the moment is, no, but I wish we were.”

   Like the family vacation, when we accept Jesus as our personal savior, life’s problems seem to disappear. The burdens of the world are lifted. Life has a new meaning with God in control. What we did not expect, was the problems that crop up along our journey. As we travel this road, we may even ask, “Are we there yet,” hoping the journey will soon end.

   While we long to be taken away from all of life’s problems, there are two things we need to remember. The trials we face along the way are meant to make us stronger and help others who are traveling the Christian road. We also need to understand that, Jesus is the author and finisher of our faith…Heb. 12:2. I am so glad we are his children, and He reminds us, I go to prepare a place for you…that where I am, ye may be also. Jn. 14:2-3. We are not there yet.

Louis Edwards

Quote

“Don't let your luggage define your travels, each life unravels differently.”

  Shane Koyczan

Raising the Standard

Text

John 12:32
And I, if I be lifted up from the earth, will draw all men unto me.

On February 19, 1945, the Marines were task with taking a military strong hold and early warning site. The battle for this key piece of property shaped like a pork chop would come at a great cost for both sides. Four days later on February 23, 1945, the crown jewel “Mount Suribachi” became their prize. Climbing to the peak, four Marines and one Sailor erected the American flag, a symbol of freedom and hope to all those who saw it. We know the place as Iwo Jima.

   Although, we may not be in a war like the brave me who fought in World War II, we face spiritual battles that bring many casualties. These injuries can cause us to quit, become gun shy, or even spread fear among the ranks of those who face the same scrimmage. The battles we face today can determine the victories of tomorrow.
  
   When we face battles, often others are watching. They draw strength from us as we forge through the unknown. When they look at us, they wonder will we make it to the top of the hill. It is a difficult road and there are enemy traps and strongholds along the way, but we must remember, through Jesus Christ, we can win the fight. We who have been in the trenches need to march forward and raise the standard for others to see.

Quote

"Where the battle rages, there the loyalty of the soldier is proved."

Martin Luther

Louis Edwards

A Mighty Fortress

Text

Ps. 18:2
The LORD is my rock, and my fortress, and my deliverer; my God, my strength, in whom I will trust; my buckler, and the horn of my salvation, and my high tower.

   Built over seventy-eight years ago, Fort Knox Gold Depository, was designed to protect America’s most valuable resource. Being the worlds most secure facility, it required over 17,000 feet of granite, 4,500 yards of concrete, 775 tons of reinforced steel and 700 tons of structural steel with a vault door twenty-one inches thick and weighing twenty tons. It is guarded by an aviation unit consisting of armed Apache helicopters, one engineer battalion, a brigade, and a division totaling approximately thirty-thousand soldiers. No one enters in with out the proper credentials.

   There are those who would love to penetrate the walls of Fort Knox, and get their hands on the precious metal housed in the facility. The only problem with that is it would require an army and a caravan of vehicles to make it happen. Because of its construction and safe guards, no one has ever attempted that feat since it was been built.

   Like Fort Knox, we have a fortress that the enemy can not penetrate. It is built on a solid foundation, fortified by God, and protected by a host that is gathered around us; making it impossible for the enemy to enter. He may attack from every angle, try to gain access through false pretense, and even bombard us; but his attempts are futile. In the end, we will overcome through Jesus Christ, the Savior of our soul. So don’t loose hope, we have something better than Fort Knox.

Quote

“Where does your security lie? Is God your refuge, your hiding place, your stronghold, your shepherd, your counselor, your friend, your redeemer, your Saviour, your guide? If He is, you don’t need to search any further for security.”

Elisabeth Elliot

Louis Edwards