Below is the picture that I have at the beginning of my Journal contained on my computer followed by my first entry in my electronic version of my Journal. As I said in my first blog, where I introduced myself, my journal actually began in written form on March 26, 2015, and I hope to start sharing them as well on this blog. This first one is not the complete form I use. I was sick that night and needed rest. As you look at the dates for each entry, you will find that I do not have an entry every day due to various circumstances. You will also find that since I work the graveyard shift, I run out of time sometimes before I get to finish all I want to say. Nevertheless, I trust in a Sovereign God and believe He is in control and will accomplish His purposes He has for me and you.
Date: July 28, 2015
Worship: And Can It Be by Charles Wesley
Personal: Not feeling
my best. It seems to be a mixture of pain, congestion, and exhaustion. Keep
telling myself it is not depression as well. We will see as I heal from
sickness and injury and get some sleep. My wife spoke briefly this morning,
hoping I was feeling better. Of course, she never responds to what I say when I
speak of coming home. Perhaps she is hiding it all in her heart. Maybe she is
feeling guilty and trapped. Or maybe she just has a very hard heart. I don’t
know, but in any event, my mind should be focused on my relationship with God and
finding healing, strength, and peace in and through Him. A close friend of mine has shared some
words to encourage me. Some great words also came from Spurgeon this morning in his devotional, Morning and Evening. I was clearing out my emails when I happened to open and read a
devotional sent on July 24th. I will leave this as my devotional
entry for the day and begin with Psalm 22 tomorrow. Lord willing!
Scripture:
Exodus 14:13
“Stand still, and see the salvation of the Lord.”
These words contain
God’s command to the believer when he is reduced to great straits and brought
into extraordinary difficulties. He cannot retreat; he cannot go forward; he is
shut up on the right hand and on the left; what is he now to do? The Master’s
word to him is, “Stand still.” It will be well for him if at such times he
listens only to his Master’s word, for other and evil advisers come with their
suggestions. Despair whispers, “Lie down and die; give it all up.” But God
would have us put on a cheerful courage, and even in our worst times, rejoice
in His love and faithfulness. Cowardice says, “Retreat; go back to the
worldling’s way of action; you cannot play the Christian’s part, it is too
difficult. Relinquish your principles.” But, however much Satan may urge this
course upon you, you cannot follow it if you are a child of God. His divine
fiat has bid thee go from strength to strength, and so thou shalt, and neither
death nor hell shall turn thee from thy course. What, if for a while thou art
called to stand still, yet this is but to renew thy strength for some greater
advance in due time. Precipitancy* cries, “do something. Stir yourself; to
stand still and wait, is sheer idleness.” We must be doing something at once—we
must do it so we think—instead of looking to the Lord, who will not only do
something but will do everything. Presumption boasts, “If the sea be before
you, march into it and expect a miracle.” But Faith listens neither to
Presumption, nor to Despair, nor to Cowardice, nor to Precipitancy, but it
hears God say, “Stand still,” and immovable as a rock it stands. “Stand still”—keep
the posture of an upright man, ready for action, expecting further orders,
cheerfully and patiently awaiting the directing voice; and it will not be long
ere God shall say to you, as distinctly as Moses said it to the people of
Israel, “Go forward.”
(from Spurgeon’s
Morning & Evening, PC Study Bible formatted electronic database Copyright ©
1999, 2003, 2006 by Biblesoft, Inc. All rights reserved.)
And so I pray my Lord:
Help me to stand firm and listen to your voice above all the advice of well-meaning
members of Your family. My brothers and sisters who seek to help me. Use them
as thou wilt but let me hear Your voice on which way to walk. In Christ’s name.
Amen!
* - undue
hastiness or suddenness
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