Yielding... to Gain the Only Thing Worth Having

" Man has a claim on God, a divine claim for any pain, want, disappointment, or misery that will help to make him what he ought to be.  He has a claim to be punished, and to be spared not one pang that may urge him toward repentance; yea, he has a claim to be compelled to repent; to be hedged in on every side, to have one after another of the strong, sharp-toothed sheep-dogs of the Great Shepherd sent after him, to thwart him in any desire, foil him in any plan, frustrate him of any hope, until he comes to see at length that nothing will ease his pain, nothing make life a thing worth having, but the presence of the living God within him; that nothing is good but the will of God; nothing noble enough for the desire of the heart of man but oneness with the eternal.  For this God must make him yield his very being, that He himself may enter in and dwell with him"

George MacDonald

As I read quotes like this one and read the Scriptures, I am so thankful that I can see the hand of the Lord in my life - teaching, taking away, growing, stretching, strengthening me, orchestrating everything in my life for me to become more Christ like, to be conformed to His image.  When we have the perspective that everything is for our good and growth spiritually, and is sent from the loving hand of our Father, it really helps to change our outlook on everything that comes up and helps us to have a meek, moldable spirit and allows us to rejoice in the loving working hand of our gracious Lord.

"Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened unto you: but rejoice, inasmuch as ye are partakers of Christ's sufferings; that, when his glory shall be revealed, ye may be glad also with exceeding joy."

1 Peter 4:12-13

"Rejoice evermore.  Pray without ceasing.  In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you."

1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

"My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into diverse temptations; knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience.  But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing.

If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him.  But let him ask in faith, nothing wavering...

Blessed is the man that endureth temptation: for when he is tried, he shall receive the crown of life, which the Lord hath promised to them that love him."

James 1:2-6,12

~Brittany

God's Presence and Guidance

"His promise is, 'Lo, I am with you alway.'  Let there be but a moments leaning of the head upon that gracious bosom, and a reception of His divine love into our poor cold hearts, and we are cold no longer, but glow like seraphs, equal to every labor, and capable of every suffering.  If we know that Jesus is with us, every power will be developed, and every grace will be strenthened, and we shall cast ourselves into the Lord's service with heart, and soul, and strength; therefore is the presence of Christ to be desired above all things.  His presence will be most realized by those who are most like Him.  If you desire to see Christ, you must grow in conformity to Him.  Bring yourself, by the power of the Spirit, into union with Christ's desires, and motives, and plans of action, and you are likely to be favored with His company."

- Charles Spurgeon -

(taken from his Evening Meditation for December 26th)

"Tremble no, for 'the LORD shall guide thee continually.'  There are no dilemmas out of which you shall not be delivered if you live near to God, and your heart be kept warm with holy love.  He goes not amiss who goes in the company of God.  Like Enoch, walk with God, and you cannot mistake your road.  You have infallible wisdom to direct you, immutable love to comfort you, and eternal power to defend you."

- Charles Spurgeon -

(taken from his Evening Meditation for December 27th)

~Brittany