Oswald Chambers Quote

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The one thing that keeps us from the possibility of worrying is bringing God in as the greatest factor in our calculations.

From Psalm 37:5:  “Commit your way to the Lord; trust in him, and he will act.”

Oswald Chambers (1874-1917) was a Scottish evangelist and Christian teacher.  Following his death from an illness while in Egypt during World War I, his wife took on the task of transcribing the detailed notes she had written from his lectures and sermons.  Gertrude Hobbs Chambers’ efforts resulted in the publication in 1924 of MY UTMOST FOR HIS HIGHEST.  I frequently read from this devotional, and it has greatly deepened my faith and understanding of God’s Word.

Monday Memories: Crying Out

From Psalm 23:4:  “Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I fear no evil; for you are with me; your rod and your staff—they comfort me.”

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Darkness shields life’s guiding light

Causing worries to take flight

 

Life’s trials, too much to bear

Ask, who really seems to care?

 

World seems to be crashing down

Running dry, emptiness drowns

 

Words and actions, meek and weak

Ask, who shall one run to seek?

 

Vacant wilderness, so dark

Crying out, life’s question mark

 

Heart and soul, feeling hollow

Ask, what voice shall one follow?

 

Voice answers, restoring hopes

Searching from distant slopes

 

Good Shepherd, looking for one

Saving His flock, one by one

 

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From John 10:14-16:  “I am the good shepherd.  I know my own and my own know me, just as the Father knows me and I know the Father.  And I lay down my life for the sheep.  I have other sheep that do not belong to this fold.  I must bring them also, and they will listen to my voice.  So there will be one flock, one shepherd.”

Originally published November, 2020.

Charles Swindoll Quote

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When you worry about what you don’t have, you won’t be able to enjoy what you have.

From Matthew 6:25:  “Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink, or about your body, what you will wear.  Is not life more than food and the body more than clothing?”

Charles Swindoll (born 1934) is an American pastor and Christian author.

Charles Swindoll Quote

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God personally cares about the things that worry us.  You are His personal concern.  He cares about those aching thoughts that are like heavy anchors dragging you down.

From 1 Peter 5:6-7:  “Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God, so that He may exalt you in due time.  Cast all your anxiety on Him, because He cares for you. 

Forsaken

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Running away to nowhere

Sky absent of any joy

Hope feeling forsaken

Worry arrives to destroy

 

Driving along road’s darkness

Sky absent of moonbeam’s light

Hope feeling forsaken

Worry invades every night

 

Fleeing from life’s harsh outcomes

Sky absent of any peace

Hope feeling forsaken

Worry refuses to cease

 

Navigating stormy seas

Sky absent of any stars

Hope feeling forsaken

Worry bleeds from every scar

 

Wasting each forgotten day

Sky absent of all sunlight

Hope feeling forsaken

Worry forever in flight

 

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Indeed . . . there is a faithful and forgiving Light, filled with unseen hope, as found in these verses of Scripture:

Matthew 11:28-30:  “Come to me, all you who are weary and are carrying heavy burdens, and I will give you rest.  Take My yoke upon you, and learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.  For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.”

Hannah Whitall Smith Quote

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Remember always that there are two things which are more utterly incompatible even than oil and water, and these two are trust and worry.

From Matthew 6:33-34:  “But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.  So do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will bring worries of its own.  Today’s trouble is enough for today.”

Hannah Whitall Smith (1832-1911) was an American lay speaker and Christian author.  She was an active voice during the women’s suffrage movement as well as the temperance movement in the United States.

John Lancaster Spalding Quote

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Worry, whatever its source, weakens, takes away courage, and shortens life.

From Isaiah 41:10:  “Do not fear, for I am with you; do not be afraid, for I am your God; I will strengthen you; I will help you; I will uphold you with My victorious right hand.”

John Lancaster Spalding (1840-1916) was an American author, poet, and advocate for higher education.

Taken From a Church Sign

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Worry ends when faith begins.

From 1 Peter 5:6-7:  “Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God, so that He may exalt you in due time.  Cast all your anxiety on Him, because He cares for you.”

Steady Hand (Elfchen Series #198)

Bestowing

Sunset

Tomorrow’s worries

Spirit’s grace resets

Waking to morning’s peace

Sunrise

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Bearing

Burdens

Multiply baggage

Calvary breathes mercy

Jesus carries every piece

Lifted

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Leading

Unmatched

Tidal wave

Facing major decisions

Father guides each step

Wisdom

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This series of poems (written in the German-inspired style of Elfchen or Elevenie) shares a total of eleven words in each poem, with a sequence by line of one, two, three, four, and one words.

Blossoming Faith (Elfchen Series #197)

Beginning at Sunrise

Faith’s

Daily priority

Always seeking first

Righteous hand of God

Relationship

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Setting Worries Aside

Troubles

Weighing heavy

Tomorrow’s must wait

Grace through faith blessing

Today

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Compass Settings Calibrated

Seeking

Faithful light

Navigating life changes

Alignment always with God

Perspective

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