Tuesday, October 24, 2023

Reflection - Classic Gem, Chapter 46 - 90 (Links)

Source (book): "Classic Gem: Timeless Devotions from Our Daily Bread Authors", Copyright © 2021 by Our Daily Bread Ministries
 

Classic Reflections from Classic Authors
PHOTO: Classic Reflections from Classic Authors
From Henry Bosch and M. R. DeHaan to Haddon Robinson and Hoanie Yoder, the early writers behind Our Daily Bread have shaped it into what it is today: a devotional that continues to encourage and inspire followers of Christ with heartwarming illustrations and stirring insights into the Bible.

Over the years, many more writers have brought with them new perspectives and fresh insights to the devotional. Yet, the inimitable voices of Our Daily Bread's classic contributors remain close to our hearts. Revisit their enduring reflections with this special collection of 90 days of devotions by 10 faithful men and women who have helped to bring Our Daily Bread to life - and let the life-changing wisdom of the Bible give you a new lease of strength, joy, and hope in your walk with God.
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From "Classic Gem: Timeless Devotions from Our Daily Bread Authors",  Copyright © 2021 by Our Daily Bread Ministries, page 1-2.


Introduction
A collection of Classics
Mention "Our Daily Bread", and many people will immediately think of the pocket-sized devotional that has encouraged millions around the world for more than 60 years.

The ministry behind Our Daily Bread - originally called the Detroit Bible Class - was in fact founded in 1938, long before the booklet came into being. Yet it was the devotional that became the most defining part of the organisation - so much so that in 2015, it was renamed Our Daily Bread Ministries, after the booklet itself.

And no wonder. Since its first publications in 1956, Our Daily Bread has been the faithful companion of many followers of Christ in their daily quiet time with God, encouraging and inspiring them with its heartwarming illustrations and stirring insights into the Bible.

Over the past 60 years or so, many of the earliest writers of these inspiring devotions have gone home to the Lord, while many new ones have joined our family. Many faithful readers, however, miss the thoughts and reflections of pioneer writers like Henry Bosch, M. R. DeHaan, and Herbert Vander Lugt.

In this special collection, we've put together 90 days of devotions by 10 faithful men and women who helped to bring Our Daily Bread to life after it was first published in 1956. The devotions have been specially chosen to share biblical insights on five key ingredients of the spiritual journey that all of us go through in life:

  • Knowing the joy and drawing strength from the hope of salvation in Christ;
  • Allowing the Holy Spirit to transform us into Christ-likeness in the process of sanctification;
  • Serving God in church, ministry, and in our community;
  • Persevering through suffering in the trials of life; and
  • Learning to finish well in our senior years.

We pray that this special collection of classic gems will help you continue to walk closely with the Lord as you experience a personal relationship with Christ, grow to be more like Him, and serve in a local body of His family.

Our Daily Bread Ministries
 

Hopefully some of the information, reflection and discussion obtained from the internet and the book by Our Daily Bread Ministries "Classic Gem: Timeless Devotions from Our Daily Bread Authors" can be useful. Chapter 46 - 90 are listed in the following.


Dennis DeHaan
Dennis J. DeHaan, a nephew of Our Daily Bread Ministries founder M. R. DeHaan, pastored several churches in lowa and Michigan in the United States before joining the ministry in 1971. He served as editor of Our Daily Bread until he retired in 1995.

Dennis went to be with the lord in 2014.

Chapter 46 - Reflection - "To The Unknown God" (Salvation), https://veryfatoldman.blogspot.com/2023/04/reflection-dennis-dehaan-to-unknown-god.html [46]

Chapter 47 - Reflection - Playing God (Sanctification), https://veryfatoldman.blogspot.com/2023/04/reflection-dennis-dehaan-playing-god.html [47]

Chapter 48 - Reflection - A Wise Way To Pray (Sanctification), https://veryfatoldman.blogspot.com/2023/04/reflection-dennis-dehaan-wise-way-to.html [48]

Chapter 49 - Reflection - Lucifer's Light (Sanctification), https://veryfatoldman.blogspot.com/2023/04/reflection-dennis-dehaan-lucifers-light.html [49]

Chapter 50 - Reflection - Cafeteria Christianity (Sanctification), https://veryfatoldman.blogspot.com/2023/04/reflection-dennis-dehaan-cafeteria.html [50]

Chapter 51 - Reflection - Love Speaks Loudest (Serving), https://veryfatoldman.blogspot.com/2023/05/reflection-dennis-dehaan-love-speaks.html [51]

Chapter 52 - Reflection - Just A Job? (Serving), https://veryfatoldman.blogspot.com/2023/05/reflection-dennis-dehaan-just-job.html [52]

Chapter 53 - Reflection - Reading And Remembering (Senior Years), https://veryfatoldman.blogspot.com/2023/05/reflection-dennis-dehaan-reading-and.html [53]

Chapter 54 - Reflection - The Seasons Of Life (Senior Years), https://veryfatoldman.blogspot.com/2023/05/reflection-dennis-dehaan-seasons-of-life.html [54]


Haddon Robinson
Haddon W. Robinson served as a discussion leader on the ministry's Discover the Word radio program for many years. He taught at Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary, served as president of the Denver Seminary, and taught preaching at the Dallas Theological Seminary.

A prolific writer, Haddon was published in various magazines including Christianity Today, Moody Monthly, and Decision Magazine. He authored several books, and served as an editor in several publications. He went home to the Lord in 2017.

Chapter 55 - Reflection - Whipping Boy (Salvation), https://veryfatoldman.blogspot.com/2023/05/reflection-haddon-robinson-whipping-boy.html [55]

Chapter 56 - Reflection - How To Clean Anything (Salvation), https://veryfatoldman.blogspot.com/2023/05/reflection-haddon-robinson-how-to-clean.html [56]

Chapter 57 - Reflection - What's Worth Keeping (Sanctification), https://veryfatoldman.blogspot.com/2023/05/reflection-haddon-robinson-whats-worth.html [57]

Chapter 58 - Reflection - Virus (Sanctification), https://veryfatoldman.blogspot.com/2023/06/reflection-haddon-robinson-virus.html [58]

Chapter 59 - Reflection - Bricklayers and Violinists (Serving), https://veryfatoldman.blogspot.com/2023/06/reflection-haddon-robinson-bricklayers.html [59]

Chapter 60 - Reflection - A Loud Fizzle (Serving), https://veryfatoldman.blogspot.com/2023/06/reflection-haddon-robinson-loud-fizzle.html [60]

Chapter 61 - Reflection - "God Makes No Mistake" (Suffering), https://veryfatoldman.blogspot.com/2023/06/reflection-haddon-robinson-god-makes-no.html [61]

Chapter 62 - Reflection - A Little Perspective (Suffering), https://veryfatoldman.blogspot.com/2023/06/reflection-haddon-robinson-little.html [62]

Chapter 63 - Reflection - Walking With God (Senior Years), https://veryfatoldman.blogspot.com/2023/06/reflection-haddon-robinson-walking-with.html [63]


Vernon Grounds
Vernon C. Grounds contributed a significant number of articles to Our Daily Bread - more than 500 between 1993 and 2009. A former president of Denver Seminary and chancellor, he also had an extensive preaching, teaching, and counseling ministry. Vernon went home to the Lord in 2010, at the age of 96.

Chapter 64 - Reflection - Your Last Day (Salvation), https://veryfatoldman.blogspot.com/2023/07/reflection-vernon-grounds-your-last-day.html [64]

Chapter 65 - Reflection - The Search For God (Salvation), https://veryfatoldman.blogspot.com/2023/07/reflection-vernon-grounds-search-for-god.html [65]

Chapter 66 - Reflection - When God Feels Pain (Sanctification), https://veryfatoldman.blogspot.com/2023/07/reflection-vernon-grounds-when-god.html [66]

Chapter 67 - Reflection - The Secret Of Strength (Sanctification), https://veryfatoldman.blogspot.com/2023/07/reflection-vernon-grounds-secret-of.html [67]

Chapter 68 - Reflection - Witnessing From A Wheelchair (Serving), https://veryfatoldman.blogspot.com/2023/07/reflection-vernon-grounds-witnessing.html [68]

Chapter 69 - Reflection - Encouragers (Serving), https://veryfatoldman.blogspot.com/2023/07/reflection-vernon-grounds-encouragers.html [69]

Chapter 70 - Reflection - Undeserved Blessings (Suffering), https://veryfatoldman.blogspot.com/2023/07/reflection-vernon-grounds-undeserved.html [70]

Chapter 71 - Reflection - Joy On The Journey (Suffering), https://veryfatoldman.blogspot.com/2023/07/reflection-vernon-grounds-joy-on-journey.html [71]

Chapter 72 - Reflection - Will You Live To Be 100? (Senior Years), https://veryfatoldman.blogspot.com/2023/08/reflection-vernon-grounds-will-you-live.html [72]


Joanie Yoder
Joanie Yoder was a favorite among Our Daily Bread readers. She and her husband set up a Christian rehabilitation center for drug addicts in England. Widowed in 1982, she learned to rely on the Lord's help and strength, and wrote about true dependence on God and His life-changing power in a book, Finding the God-Dependent Life. She went home to the Lord in 2004.

Chapter 73 - Reflection - Cut-Flower Christians (Sanctification), https://veryfatoldman.blogspot.com/2023/08/reflection-joanie-yoder-cut-flower.html [73]

Chapter 74 - Reflection - Beware Of Quick Fixes (Sanctification), https://veryfatoldman.blogspot.com/2023/08/reflection-joanie-yoder-beware-of-quick.html [74]

Chapter 75 - Reflection - Our Full-Time Intercessor (Sanctification), https://veryfatoldman.blogspot.com/2023/08/reflection-joanie-yoder-our-full-time.html [75]

Chapter 76 - Reflection - A Way Of Loving (Serving), https://veryfatoldman.blogspot.com/2023/08/reflection-joanie-yoder-way-of-loving.html [76]

Chapter 77 - Reflection - Life Words (Serving), https://veryfatoldman.blogspot.com/2023/08/reflection-joanie-yoder-life-words.html [77]

Chapter 78 - Reflection - His Good Purpose (Suffering), https://veryfatoldman.blogspot.com/2023/08/reflection-joanie-yoder-his-good-purpose.html [78]

Chapter 79 - Reflection - The Acid Test (Suffering), https://veryfatoldman.blogspot.com/2023/09/reflection-joanie-yoder-acid-test.html [79]

Chapter 80 - Reflection - Foundational Praying (Senior Years), https://veryfatoldman.blogspot.com/2023/09/reflection-joanie-yoder-foundational.html [80]

Chapter 81 - Reflection - How Will You Be Remembered? (Senior Years), https://veryfatoldman.blogspot.com/2023/09/reflection-joanie-yoder-how-will-you-be.html [81]


Julie Ackerman Link
A book editor by profession, Julie Ackermann Link wrote for Our Daily Bread from 2000 to 2015. Her books, Above All, Love and A Heart for God, were published by Discovery House, which is affiliated with Our Daily Bread Ministries. After a lengthy battle with cancer, she went to be with the Lord in 2015.

Chapter 82 - Reflection - Saving Ourselves (Salvation), https://veryfatoldman.blogspot.com/2023/09/reflection-julie-ackerman-link-saving.html [82]

Chapter 83 - Reflection - Celebrate Freedom (Salvation), https://veryfatoldman.blogspot.com/2023/09/reflection-julie-ackerman-link.html [83]

Chapter 84 - Reflection - Roots Or Shoots? (Sanctification), https://veryfatoldman.blogspot.com/2023/09/reflection-julie-ackerman-link-roots-or.html [84]

Chapter 85 - Reflection - Keep The Fire Burning (Sanctification), https://veryfatoldman.blogspot.com/2023/10/reflection-julie-ackerman-link-keep.html [85]

Chapter 86 - Reflection - Fearing The Worst (Serving), https://veryfatoldman.blogspot.com/2023/10/reflection-julie-ackerman-link-fearing.html [86]

Chapter 87 - Reflection - Giving God Our Best (Serving), https://veryfatoldman.blogspot.com/2023/10/reflection-julie-ackerman-link-giving.html [87]

Chapter 88 - Reflection - Job's Birthday (Suffering), https://veryfatoldman.blogspot.com/2023/10/reflection-julie-ackerman-link-jobs.html [88]

Chapter 89 - Reflection - Reframing The Picture (Suffering), https://veryfatoldman.blogspot.com/2023/10/reflection-julie-ackerman-link.html [89]

Chapter 90 - Reflection - The Last Few Pounds (Senior Years), https://veryfatoldman.blogspot.com/2023/10/reflection-julie-ackerman-link-last-few.html [90]


Dennis DeHaan
Dennis J. DeHaan, a nephew of Our Daily Bread Ministries founder M. R. DeHaan, pastored several churches in lowa and Michigan in the United States before joining the ministry in 1971. He served as editor of Our Daily Bread until he retired in 1995.

Dennis went to be with the lord in 2014.

Chapter 46 - Reflection - "To The Unknown God" (Salvation),  

 The One whom you worship without knowing, Him I proclaim to you. - Acts 17:23 (NKJV) Read: Acts 17:22-34
PHOTO: The One whom you worship without knowing, Him I proclaim to you. - Acts 17:23 (NKJV)
Read: Acts 17:22-34

It is said that in ancient Greece, a plague once swept through Athens. Believing that gods were responsible, the people erected altars to every god known to the Greeks, in a bid to pacify them. But the scourge (thing that causes great trouble or suffering) continued. Finally, in desperation, they built another altar bearing these words: "To the Unknown God."

Soon afterward, the plague subsided.

Many years later, when Paul visited Athens on his second missionary journey, he walked about the city and saw that inscription. Seizing the opportunity, he proclaimed to his listeners, "The One whom you worship without knowing, Him I proclaim to you" (Acts 17:23 NKJV). That one God, of whom they knew nothing, Paul knew personally. He presented Him as the "Lord of heaven and earth" (Acts 17:24). But the apostle didn't stop there. He also called for repentance, for the world would someday be judged in righteousness by Jesus Christ.

We don't need to go through life searching for an unknown god, for the one true God has already revealed Himself to us through His Son. The moment we turn from our sin and accept Jesus as our personal Savior, we come to know the Creator Himself.

Do you know Him, or is He still unknown to you?

In creation, God shows us His hand;
in redemption, He shows us His heart.
 

 We don't need to go through life searching for an unknown god, for the one true God has already revealed Himself to us through His Son.
PHOTO: We don't need to go through life searching for an unknown god, for the one true God has already revealed Himself to us through His Son. The moment we turn from our sin and accept Jesus as our personal Savior, we come to know the Creator Himself.
Picture posted in Pinterest
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Chapter 47 - Reflection - Playing God (Sanctification), https://veryfatoldman.blogspot.com/2023/04/reflection-dennis-dehaan-playing-god.html [47]

 Do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. - Matthew 6:34
PHOTO: Do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. - Matthew 6:34
Read: Matthew 6:25-34

I had never thought of worry as a form of taking on God's responsibility. But I realized that worry, in its naked form, comes close to doing just that after I saw a sign that read:

Do not feel totally, personally, irrevocably responsible for everything. That's My job. - God

This advice does not absolve us of all responsibility. However, the force of the statement lies in the words "totally", "personally", "irrevocably", and "everything". We often feel we must solve all our problems ourselves, and that unless we come up with the right solution, all will be lost.

Of course, we must take responsibility for our own lives. Yet, God wants us to rely on His guidance. When problems arise, our first duty is to bring them to Him in prayer. He may show us that we've created our own difficulty, and may reveal that we must make changes to resolve it. He'll grant forgiveness and give the strength to change. Or He'll assure us that we're doing all we can, and say: "Leave it with Me. Just do your next duty."

Only God has sufficient energy and wisdom to handle everything well. Worry will gradually lose its hold on our lives if we learn to stop playing God.

When worry walks in, strength runs out, but strength returns when we let God in.
Picture posted by The Financial Times
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https://big5.ftchinese.com/story/001087141?archive
 
 

 Reflect and Pray
PHOTO: Reflect and Pray
I walked life's path with worry,
Disturbed and quite unblest,
Until I trusted Jesus;
Now faith has given rest. - HGN
Picture posted by Fletes Tampico on 07 August 2015  
 


Chapter 48 - Reflection - A Wise Way To Pray (Sanctification),  
https://veryfatoldman.blogspot.com/2023/04/reflection-dennis-dehaan-wise-way-to.html [48]

Keep falsehood and lies far from me; give me neither poverty nor riches. - Proverbs 30:8
PHOTO: Keep falsehood and lies far from me; give me neither poverty nor riches. - Proverbs 30:8
Read: Proverbs 30:1-9

Plato, the Greek philosopher, borrowed from an ancient poet a prayer that he said best expresses the way we shortsighted mortals should pray. Although the prayer was to a pagan deity, it has a lesson for us. It goes like this: "Give us those things which are best, whether we pray for them or not; but command evil things to remain at a distance from us, even though we implore them (beg someone earnestly or desperately to do something)."

The insight of that philosopher is also seen in the Bible, only with a clearer and more specific focus. Centuries before Plato, Agur fully understood that wise praying must be based on truth and a desire to bring glory to the Almighty. He asked God to grant him two things before he died: "Keep falsehood and lies far from me; give me neither poverty nor riches" (Proverbs 30:8).

Agur longed for integrity and contentment. That desire included his willingness to have God veto anything that might cause him to become self-sufficient and forget the Lord, or to make him a thief and thus profane God's name (Proverbs 30:9).

Plato focused on what is best for us, but Agur went a step further. He wanted what was best for himself, but only if it would reflect God's glory. That's the wise way to pray.

Biblical prayer seeks God's glory, not our gain.
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Chapter 49 - Reflection - Lucifer's Light (Sanctification),  

If then the light within you is darkness, how great is that darkness! - Matthew 6:23
PHOTO: If then the light within you is darkness, how great is that darkness! - Matthew 6:23
Read: Matthew 6:19-24

In today's test, Jesus made a seemingly contradictory statement. He called light darkness. We can best understand His words, I believe, by comparing two kinds of light.

Consider first the flickering glow of a light bug. Two rare chemicals, luciferase and luciferin, produce the lightning bug's light. Both terms are related to the word "lucifer," which means "light-bearing" (Lucifer is also one of the names for Satan.) Now consider the sun's light. Its brilliance is blinding. By comparison, the lightning bug's light is "darkness."

In Matthew 6:19-24, Jesus cautioned His hearers about living for riches and urged them instead to lay up their treasures in heaven. Then He illustrated His warning by referring to "the lamp of the body," the eye (Matthew 6:22). If our focus is on spiritual things, we will be full of light. But if we live for earthly riches, we will become filled with a dark light, which He described as great darkness.

Money can brighten our lives to some degree, but it cannot heal broken hearts, remove guilt, or bring inner peace. It is too dim to satisfy our deepest spiritual longings.

Only Christ can illumine the soul with the light of salvation. Let's live to please Him. Any lesser light will leave us in darkness.

Some people have plenty to live on but nothing to live for.
 

 Only Christ can illumine the soul with the light of salvation.
PHOTO: Only Christ can illumine the soul with the light of salvation. Let's live to please Him. Any lesser light will leave us in darkness.
Picture posted by Veena Furtado - The light of this world
 

 Reflect and Pray
PHOTO: Reflect and Pray
The earthly riches we possess
Can demonstrate our love
If we deposit cheerfully
Our treasure up above. - Sper
 
 

Chapter 50 - Reflection - Cafeteria Christianity (Sanctification),  

 Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me. - Mark 8:34
PHOTO: Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me. - Mark 8:34
Read: Mark 8:34-38

In his book Thinking in the Future Tense, author and lecturer Edward B. Lindaman refers to "the cafeteria culture of our age." It's the tendency to shy away from life's unpleasant disciplines and seek only what brings immediate pleasure.

Christians are not exempt from this tendency. Some persuasive preachers promote an "abundant life" of success and prosperity through positive thinking, more faith, or giving money to get God's blessing in return.

The Bible, of course, teaches us to think positively (Philippians 4:8) and to give liberally (2 Corinthians 8:2), But this kind of preaching lacks the nourishing truths of Christ's sacrifice for sin and His demand for godly living. Our God is not only loving, good, and generous, but He is also righteous, holy, and demanding. He hates sin and will not compromise with evil.

It's wonderful to hear about the blessings Christ offers, but we also need to experience repentance and self-denial. The picking and choosing of a cafeteria-style Christianity is no substitute for a well-rounded diet, which includes the tough truths of taking up Christ's cross and following Him (Mark 8:34). That kind of nourishment stimulates the growth of spiritual muscle and Christlike character. And I need all of that I can get, don't you?

To be conformed to Christ, let God's Spirit form Christ in you.
Picture posted by One Lost Sheep

 

 Reflect and Pray
PHOTO: Reflect and Pray
From subtle love of softening things,
From easy choices, weakening;
Not thus are spirits fortified.
Not this way went the Crucified. - Carmichael
Picture posted by ☺☻Дя∩Θ∟ם™☻☺ on 11 November 2010



Chapter 51 - Reflection - Love Speaks Loudest (Serving),  

 In humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others. - Philippians 2:3-4
PHOTO: In humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others. - Philippians 2:3-4
Read: Philippians 2:1-11

Missionary Doug Nichols was a patient in a tuberculosis ward in India in 1967. Patients and staff saw him as a rich American taking up space in their hospital. Their hostility was evident as they refused the gospel tracts he offered them.

One morning at 2 o'clock, a very sick Indian man struggled to get out of bed to go to the bathroom, but he was too weak to make it. Soon the stench form his bed filled the room. Other patients yelled at him. Nurses showed their anger for having to clean up the mess. One slapped him.

The next night, the old man tried again to get up, but again fell backward. He began to cry. Doug, weak himself, went over, picked him up, and carried him to the bathroom and back to his bed.

What a change came over that hospital ward! One patient gave Doug a steaming cup of Indian tea, motioning that he wanted a tract. Nurses, interns, and doctors asked for the Gospel of John. And several eventually received Christ.

What changed their attitude? Doug had exemplified the Savior, who "made himself nothing" but took "the very nature of a servant" and "humbled himself" (Philippians 2:7-8).

We are called to do the same. Sometimes loving is unpleasant, but that's when it speaks the loudest.

All around are needs to meet: Be God's heart and hands and feet.
 
 
 
 

Chapter 52 - Reflection - Just A Job? (Serving), https://veryfatoldman.blogspot.com/2023/05/reflection-dennis-dehaan-just-job.html [52]

 Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with all your might. - Ecclesiastes 9:10
PHOTO: Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with all your might. - Ecclesiastes 9:10
Read: Ecclesiastes 6:5-9

Three men were hard at work on a large building project. Someone asked them: "What are you doing?" "I'm mixing mortar," one said. The second man said: "I'm helping put up this great stone wall." But the third man replied: "I'm building a cathedral to the glory of God."

Those three men could just as well have been working on a car, in a factory, behind a counter, or on any legitimate product or service a man or woman might provide.

Most people work to earn a living, attain success, or amass wealth. Such reasons, however, must not be the Christian's primary motive for working. Like the third man in our story, we need to see that what gives work eternal value is not the product or service of our labor, but the process of laboring itself - doing the job faithfully to the glory of the Lord.

God commands us to work because it is good. But work also gives believers the opportunity to represent Jesus Christ to unbelievers. By performing our God-given tasks to the best of our abilities, we bring honor and glory to His name. And we demonstrate to fellow employees the difference Christ can make in a life. Is our work just a job? Or are we doing it to the glory of God?

We are given time to build for eternity.
Artwork by Yongsung Kim
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Most people work to earn a living, attain success, or amass wealth.
PHOTO: Most people work to earn a living, attain success, or amass wealth. Such reasons, however, must not be the Christian's primary motive for working. Like the third man in our story, we need to see that what gives work eternal value is not the product or service of our labor, but the process of laboring itself - doing the job faithfully to the glory of the Lord.
Picture posted by Heart 2 Heart on Thursday, 21 April 2016
 
 
 

Chapter 53 - Reflection - Reading And Remembering (Senior Years),  
https://veryfatoldman.blogspot.com/2023/05/reflection-dennis-dehaan-reading-and.html [53]

 My soul faints with longing for your salvation, but I have put my hope in your word. - Psalm 119:81
PHOTO: My soul faints with longing for your salvation, but I have put my hope in your word. - Psalm 119:81
Read: 2 Timothy 4:13-18

My elderly aunt was having difficulty with her memory. She tried to recall Scripture verses she had learned earlier in life, but they weren't coming to mind. This bothered her. I told her that God understands our weaknesses. He remembers His promises even when we can't. It's more important that we rest in His faithfulness.

Author Lillian Helm learned that lesson, too. At 91, she spent an hour each day reading her Bible and Christian literature. Her friends asked: "What good does all that reading do if you can't remember much of it?" She replied by recounting her blessings and saying: "My cup runneth over. I'm not concerned about my memory. I just do my reading and God does the remembering."

Paul was in prison awaiting execution when he wrote to Timothy: "Bring . . . my scrolls, especially the parchments." (2 Timothy 4:13). He knew the importance of keeping his mind filled with God's truth. All of us need to do that every day of our lives.

But Paul's confidence wasn't in his books. It was to God, who would lovingly care for him and preserve him for His heavenly kingdom (2 Timothy 4:18). That's true for all of us, even if we can no longer read or remember.

Memory may fail, but never God's promises.
 

 My elderly aunt was having difficulty with her memory.
PHOTO: My elderly aunt was having difficulty with her memory. She tried to recall Scripture verses she had learned earlier in life, but they weren't coming to mind. This bothered her. I told her that God understands our weaknesses. He remembers His promises even when we can't. It's more important that we rest in His faithfulness.
Picture posted by Reena Goenka on 30 November 2022 - Anxiety
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https://insightfulcounselling.com/how-to-cope-with-anxiety-dreams/
 
 
 Reflect and Pray
PHOTO: Reflect and Pray
I'll trust in God's unchanging Word
Till soul and body sever;
For though all things shall pass away,
His Word shall stand forever. - Anonymous
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Chapter 54 - Reflection - The Seasons Of Life (Senior Years),  

 You brought me forth from my mother's womb . . .
PHOTO: You brought me forth from my mother's womb . . . Do not cast me away when I am old. - Psalm 71:6,9
Read: Psalm 71

When we are young, we can't wait to grow up. When we are old, we look longingly to former years. How ironic!

God wants us to accept joyfully each season of life. Whatever our age, He asks us to commit our way to Him and accept the struggle He allows along with the strength He provides.

A woman who was facing the trials of growing old asked missionary J. Robertson McQuilkin: "Why does God let us get old and weak?" McQuilkin thought a moment, then replied: "I think God has planned the strength and beauty of youth to be physical. But the strength and beauty of old age is spiritual. We gradually lose the strength and beauty that is temporary so we'll be sure to concentrate on the strength and beauty that is forever. And so we'll be eager to leave the temporary, deteriorating part of us and be truly homesick for our eternal home. If we stayed young and strong and beautiful, we might never want to leave."

Are you in life's springtime? Trust God's timing to fulfill your dreams. Are you in life's summer or autumn? Face your daily challenges head-on. And if you feel the chill of winter, strive to know God better. His presence can make every season of life one of strength and beauty.

This life is but the childhood of our immortality. - Geothe
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 Are you in life's springtime?
PHOTO: Are you in life's springtime? Trust God's timing to fulfill your dreams. Are you in life's summer or autumn? Face your daily challenges head-on. And if you feel the chill of winter, strive to know God better. His presence can make every season of life one of strength and beauty.
Picture posted by Adobe Stock - De Jo Graetz
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 Reflect and Pray
PHOTO: Reflect and Pray
Whenever I'm weary in body,
And sinking in spirit, I say,
"All the toils of this life will seem nothing
When I get my new body someday." - Anonymous
Picture posted by Adobe Stock - Dancing in the park in nature
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Haddon Robinson
Haddon W. Robinson served as a discussion leader on the ministry's Discover the Word radio program for many years. He taught at Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary, served as president of the Denver Seminary, and taught preaching at the Dallas Theological Seminary.

A prolific writer, Haddon was published in various magazines including Christianity Today, Moody Monthly, and Decision Magazine. He authored several books, and served as an editor in several publications. He went home to the Lord in 2017.

Chapter 55 - Reflection - Whipping Boy (Salvation), https://veryfatoldman.blogspot.com/2023/05/reflection-haddon-robinson-whipping-boy.html [55]

 God made him who had no sin to be sin for us. - 2 Corinthians 5:21
PHOTO: God made him who had no sin to be sin for us. - 2 Corinthians 5:21
Read: 2 Corinthians 5:12-21

Throughout history, royal families have received special treatment. They were often exempt from keeping the law or receiving punishment or even discipline. But the royal children still needed to know that when they misbehaved, they deserved to be punished. When a prince or princess disobeyed or did poorly in schoolwork, the punishment was given to a "whipping boy" instead. There was no doubt who was really at fault, but it was simply unthinkable for a servant to spank a person of royalty.

The cross of Calvary gives a completely different view of dealing with wrongdoing. Although the servant is at fault, royalty receives the punishment. Jesus Christ, the Prince of Glory, took our place when He died on the cross. He voluntarily became our "whipping boy" and paid the penalty for our sins.

How much we owe the Jesus Christ! How could we ever forget that we have been bought with a price? That's what kept Paul going when lesser men might have quit. He was confident that because we have a substitute, God is not angry with us. His Majesty's justice has been satisfied. We are free to live and love as we never have before.

May that motivate us to tell others the good news!

Christ became a curse for us to remove the curse from us.
Artwork by Stacey Walter Sydney (1846-1929) - Prince Edward VI. And His Whipping Boy
Picture posted by Invaluable
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 Reflect and Pray
PHOTO: Reflect and Pray
When Jesus took our punishment,
God's wrath was satisfied;
Now we can live at peace with Him.
Because for us Christ died. - Sper
Picture posted by Spiritual Enlightenment on Saturday, 02 January 2021 at 01:54 pm
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Chapter 56 - Reflection - How To Clean Anything (Salvation),  

 The blood of Jesus, his Son, purifies us from all sin. - 1 John 1:7
PHOTO: The blood of Jesus, his Son, purifies us from all sin. - 1 John 1:7
Read: 1 John 1:5-10

I once read a booklet with the intriguing title, How to Clean Practically Anything. It offers advice on what solvent to use to remove a wide assortment of stains. Living as I do with drips and drops, that is my kind of book.

Did you know that glycerin will remove stains made by a ball-point pen? Boiling water can remove berry stains. Parents of small children should keep a gallon of vinegar handy to get rid of crayon marks. Bleach works well for mildew. Lemon juice performs minor miracles on rust stains.

I haven't tried them all, but I assume that scientists have put these common cleaning agents to the test.

What you will not find in this little book is how to deal with the most serious stain of all - the stain made on our lives by sins. Deep, ugly stains made by hostile words and shame-filled actions. Tears won't touch them. Zeal can't erase them. At times we are convinced that we have gotten on with our lives and the sins are gone, but in an unguarded moment, we notice the stain seeping through.

The Bible tells us just what we need: "The blood of Jesus, his Son, purifies us from all sin" (1 John 1:7). That's the only remedy that works.

We may whitewash sin, but only Jesus' blood can truly wash it white.
Photograph by Sasin Tipchai, uploaded on 02 July 2019
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 The Bible tells us just what we need
PHOTO: The Bible tells us just what we need: "The blood of Jesus, his Son, purifies us from all sin" (1 John 1:7). That's the only remedy that works.
Picture posted by NHN on Saturday, 11 April 2020 at 07:09 am
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Chapter 57 - Reflection - What's Worth Keeping (Sanctification),  

 Esau . . . for a single meal sold his inheritance rights as the oldest son. - Hebrews 12:16
PHOTO: Esau . . . for a single meal sold his inheritance rights as the oldest son. - Hebrews 12:16
Read: Genesis 25:27-34

A story is told of a man who loved old books. He met an acquaintance who had just thrown away a Bible that had been stored in the attic of his ancestral home for generations. "I couldn't read it," the friend explained,  "Somebody named Gutten-something had printed it." "Not Guttenberg!" the book lover exclaimed in horror. "That Bible was one of the first books ever printed. Why, a copy just sold for over two million dollars!"

His friend was unimpressed. "Mine wouldn't have brought a dollar. Some fellow named Martin Luther had scribbled all over it in German." (Martin Luther, of course, was the great reformer of the church.)

The man treated as worthless that which was valuable. So did Esau. Although he was a nice fellow who enjoyed hunting, fishing, and the great outdoors, Esau was "godless" because he sold his spiritual birthright "for a single meal" (Hebrews 12:16). Only when it was too late to undo his wretched bargain, did Esau realize that he had sacrificed the permanent on the altar of the immediate.

We had better be careful of the "bargains" we make in life. Our culture places a high price tag on what is worthless and thrown away as worthless what is of eternal value.

Ask the Lord to help you discern what's worth keeping and what is best discarded.

We pay a high price for living on a low plane.
Picture posted by Joanna Pracharczyk on 14 May 2020 - My Family
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Chapter 58 - Reflection - Virus (Sanctification), https://veryfatoldman.blogspot.com/2023/06/reflection-haddon-robinson-virus.html [58]

 Take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ. - 2 Corinthians 10:5
PHOTO: Take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ. - 2 Corinthians 10:5
Read: 2 Corinthians 10:3-6

On some days, my computer helps me fly like an eagle. At other times, it bogs me down like a hippopotamus. On "eagle days", I'm grateful for my computer. But there are those "hippo days", when I bitterly regret the day I bought one.

Recently I've had to contend with a virus that invaded my computer. What bothers me most is that viruses are created maliciously. Bright people who live with a darkness in their lives want to make other people miserable. What's worse, I permitted the virus to enter my machine by opening what I thought was an innocent email.

Sin resembles a computer virus. Satan wants to destroy Christians by infecting their minds. But the apostle Paul urged the believers at Corinth to "take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ" (2 Corinthians 10:5).

Just as we let a virus unto our computers, we also let darkness into our lives when we open ourselves unthinkingly to the godless messages that permeate (spread throughout) our culture. We let down our guard and hardly notice the sin that infects our minds.

But by confessing our sins, reading God's Word, and praying, we build a firewall, or barrier, to safeguard our minds. With the help of the Spirit, we'll keep our minds from becoming unwitting hosts for unwanted guests.

Guard your thoughts as you would your wallet.
Picture posted by Chang Weining, Visiting Psychologist, Institute of Mental Health
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https://www.thinkchina.sg/chinese-spirituality-part-two-sacred-mundane
 

 Take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ. - 2 Corinthians 10:5
PHOTO: Take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ. - 2 Corinthians 10:5
Picture posted by Biblical Personhood on 11 September 2012
 https://veryfatoldman.blogspot.com/2023/06/reflection-haddon-robinson-virus.html
 

 Reflect and Pray
PHOTO: Reflect and Pray
Don't hide your sin and cover up,
Pretending that there's nothing wrong;
Instead, confess it and repent,
And God will fill your heart with song. - Sper
Picture posted in Pinterest
 
 

Chapter 59 - Reflection - Bricklayers and Violinists (Serving),  

 We have different gifts, according to the grace given to each of us. - Romans 12:6
PHOTO: We have different gifts, according to the grace given to each of us. - Romans 12:6
Read: Romans 12:1-8

A concert violinist had a brother who was a bricklayer. One day, a woman began talking to the bricklayer about how wonderful it was for him to be in the same family as the noted musician. But then, not wanting to insult the bricklayer, she added: "Of course, we don't all have the same talents, and even in the same family some just seem to have more ability than others."

The bricklayer replied: "You're telling me! That violinist brother of mine doesn't know a thing about laying bricks. And if he wasn't able to make some money playing that fiddle of his, he couldn't hire a guy with know-how like mine to build his house. If he had to build a house himself, he'd be ruined."

If you want to build a house, don't look for a violinist. And if you need someone to play the violin in an orchestra, don't hire a bricklayer. No two of us are exactly alike, and no one possesses every gift. In that way, houses get built and music gets played.

In the church, God has gifted us in different way, too. Our responsibility is to exercise the spiritual gifts that He has given us. When we do, we build each other up in the faith, and there is harmony in the body of Christ.

There are no unimportant members in the body of Christ.
Picture posted by Wendy Waters on 21 April 2018 at 08:49 am
 

 The bricklayer replied:
PHOTO: The bricklayer replied: "You're telling me! That violinist brother of mine doesn't know a thing about laying bricks. And if he wasn't able to make some money playing that fiddle of his, he couldn't hire a guy with know-how like mine to build his house. If he had to build a house himself, he'd be ruined."
Picture posted by Abode Stock
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 As for me and my household, we will serve the Lord. - Joshua 24:15
PHOTO: As for me and my household, we will serve the Lord. - Joshua 24:15
Read: Joshua 24:14-25

The story has been told of a blacksmith who heated a piece of iron in the forge, not knowing what he was going to make. At first, he thought of shaping it into a horseshoe, but changed his mind. After hammering on the iron for a while, he decided to try to make it into something else. By this time, the metal was no longer malleable. Holding it up with his tongs and looking at it with disgust, the blacksmith tossed it into a vat of water. "Well," he shrugged, "at least I can make a fizzle (hissing sound) out of it!"

Joshua would have seen an important lesson in that story. He knew that a meaningful life must have a clear purpose. "Choose!" he urged his followers (Joshua 24:15). If you're not going to live for God, then decide against Him. If you are going to live for God, then let your life reflect that decision. But whatever you do, decide! Joshua made it clear that he and his family had made their choice to serve the Lord (Joshua 24:15). For him, life was not and amusement park, but an arena where important decisions had to be made.

What about you? If you don't choose to trust Christ and serve Him, all you will have to show for the living of your days will be a loud fizzle.

If you decide not to choose, you've already made the wrong choice.
Picture posted by Vance K Jackson on 04 November 2018 - It’s Time To Choose
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https://godtv.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/shutterstock_1069268519.jpg
https://godtv.com/time-to-choose/
 
 
 
 

Chapter 61 - Reflection - "God Makes No Mistake" (Suffering),  

Do not be overcome boy evil, but overcome evil with good. - Romans 12:21
PHOTO: Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good. - Romans 12:21
Read: Romans 12:14-21

A few days after arriving on the campus of Texas A&M University in the United States in 1984, Bruce Goodrich was awakened at 2 a.m.. Upperclassmen roused him out of bed to initiate him into the Corps of Cadets, a military-style training program.

Bruce was forced to exercise and run several miles in hot and humid conditions. When he eventually collapsed, he was told to get up and keep going. He collapsed again, went into a comma, and died later that same day. The students who mistreated Bruce were put on trial and charged with causing his death.

Bruce's father wrote a letter to the administration, faculty, and student body. He didn't excuse the cruel injustice of what happened to his son, but he said: "I would like to take this opportunity to express the appreciation of my family for the great outpouring of concern and sympathy from Texas A&M University and the community over the loss of our son Bruce . . . We harbor no ill will . . . [He] is now secure in his celestial home. When the question is asked, 'Why did this happen?' perhaps one answer will be, 'So that many will consider where they will spend eternity."

Trusting in the sovereignty of God can turn outrage into compassion and hatred into concern.

No tragedy is beyond God's sovereignty.
Picture posted by Amy Morin, Contributor @AmyMorinLCSW on Monday, 11 February 2019 at 10:48 AM EST
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqH-JRe0Nh_KkyHRjj4CNDmIaZ58VGlsSs93d6kDEQDVK3caws8ma7UFXoW1_MzDcxhGnTee6gNdAy2D9frxP9Ront3xpEwZ_yWfExyFuUdJCZhJW-_MaVhU2Cq9FQYFmXwEa9FW9AxNA/s1600/105731656-1549899859713.jpg
https://www.cnbc.com/2019/02/11/7-powerful-ways-mentally-strong-people-handle-toxic-co-workers.html
https://veryfatoldman.blogspot.com/2020/02/reflection-once-in-royal-davids-city.html
 

 Bruce's father wrote a letter to the administration, faculty, and student body.
PHOTO: Bruce's father wrote a letter to the administration, faculty, and student body. He didn't excuse the cruel injustice of what happened to his son, but he said: "I would like to take this opportunity to express the appreciation of my family for the great outpouring of concern and sympathy from Texas A&M University and the community over the loss of our son Bruce . . . We harbor no ill will . . . [He] is now secure in his celestial home. When the question is asked, 'Why did this happen?' perhaps one answer will be, 'So that many will consider where they will spend eternity."
Picture posted by Displate
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https://displate.com/displate/5558407
 
 


Chapter 62 - Reflection - A Little Perspective (Suffering),  

 Our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. - 2 Corinthians 4:17
PHOTO: Our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. - 2 Corinthians 4:17
Read: 2 Corinthians 4:16-18

A college student wrote a startling letter to her parents:

Dear Mom and Dad:
I have so much to tell you. Because of the fire in my room set by rioting students, I suffered lung damage and had to go to the hospital. While there, I fell in love with an orderly. Then I got arrested for my part in the riots. Anyway, I'm dropping out of school, getting married, and moving to Alaska.
Your loving daughter
PS: None of this really happened, but I did flunk a chemistry class, and I wanted you to keep it in perspective.

We might question this student's method of breaking bad news to her parents, but her approach highlights a truth: proper perspective is essential.

When Paul encouraged the church in Corinth, he wrote a litany of his own very trial and tribulations. To gain perspective, he shifted his focus to eternal. "Our light and momentary troubles," he said, "are achieving for us and eternal glory that far outweighs the all" (2 Corinthians 4:17).

In some ways, our perspective is more important than our experiences. Paul continued: "So we fix our eyes bot on what is seen, but on what is unseen" (2 Corinthians 4:18). Our sufferings will diminish in importance when compared to the glory that awaits us.

The supreme need in every hour of difficulty is a vision of God. - G. C. Morgan
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https://www.themoviedb.org/movie/447277-the-little-mermaid/images/posters
 

 In some ways, our perspective is more important than our experiences.
PHOTO: In some ways, our perspective is more important than our experiences. Paul continued: "So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen" (2 Corinthians 4:18). Our sufferings will diminish in importance when compared to the glory that awaits us.
Piture posted by Avicii
 

 Reflect and Pray
PHOTO: Reflect and Pray
He promised no immunity from "chance";
Instead, a cross with adverse circumstance;
Yet we may toil with joy in all we do,
For life is brief - eternity's in view. - Gustafson
Picture posted by Rose City Raven on 14 April 2021
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https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0508/8352/6853/articles/5-most-potent-crystals-and-herbs-for-beltane-blessings-rose-city-raven.jpg
https://rosecityraven.com/blogs/book-of-shadows/5-most-potent-crystals-and-herbs-for-beltane-blessings
 
 

Chapter 63 - Reflection - Walking With God (Senior Years),  

 Enoch walked faithfully with God; then he was no more, because God took him away. - Genesis 5:24
PHOTO: Enoch walked faithfully with God; then he was no more, because God took him away. - Genesis 5:24
Read: Genesis 5:18-24

As we read through the Bible, Genesis 5 sounds like official records kept by the authorities. Name, age at death, survivors. But in this terse list. we are suddenly confronted with a man who stands out from everyone else. "Enoch walked faithfully with God, then he was no more, because God took him away" (Genesis 5:24).

We don't know much else about Enoch. He probably took care of the herds, worked the land, and cared for his family. Whatever his duties were, we knew that he had an ongoing conversation with God. Enoch expressed his joys, his hurts, his confusions, and the responsibility he felt for his children. He walked with God.

Enoch came to love what God loves and hate what God hates. More interesting, though, the Lord was pleased with Enoch (Hebrews 11:5). One day, He must have said something like: "Enoch, we've come a long way together. Why don't you just come on home and stay with Me?" The ancient writer simply reports: "Then he was no more, because God took him away" (Genesis 5:24).

The Lord still looks for those who will walk with Him. What a privilege for us! The One who is the Creator of the cosmos, the Ruler of heaven, and the Redeemer of mankind seeks our friendship. Are we seeking His?

The closer you walk with God, the less room for anything to come between.
Picture posted by europeanwriterstour.com - Enoch Walking With God
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https://ar.europeanwriterstour.com/images-2023/enoch-walking-with-god
 
 

 Reflect and Pray
PHOTO: Reflect and Pray
Savior, let me walk beside Thee,
Let me feel my hand in Thine;
Let me know the joy of walking
In Thy strength and not in mine. - Sidebocham
Picture posted by Independent liberty Baptist church on Saturday, 13 August 2022 at 01:38 pm
 

Vernon Grounds
Vernon C. Grounds contributed a significant number of articles to Our Daily Bread - more than 500 between 1993 and 2009. A former president of Denver Seminary and chancellor, he also had an extensive preaching, teaching, and counseling ministry. Vernon went home to the Lord in 2010, at the age of 96.

Chapter 64 - Reflection - Your Last Day (Salvation), https://veryfatoldman.blogspot.com/2023/07/reflection-vernon-grounds-your-last-day.html [64]

 Let us not be like others, who are asleep, but let us be awake and sober. - 1 Thessalonians 5:6
PHOTO: Let us not be like others, who are asleep, but let us be awake and sober. - 1 Thessalonians 5:6
Read: 1 Thessalonians 5:1-11

What if you were told this morning that today was to be your last day on earth? How would you spend its fleeting hours? Whom would you insist on seeing? Would your behavior differ radically from what it usually is?

Someone has wisely said: "You should treat every day as if it's your last one, because one of these days, you're going to be right."

There's no getting around it. Whether our earthly life ends by accident, illness, the ravages of age, or our Lord's return, one of these days will be our last. That's why we should guard so carefully the things we do and the words we say.

We ought to be tying up the loose ends of long-neglected matters by expressing our love and gratitude to others, by seeking reconciliation with an alienated friend, or by sharing the gospel with a neighbor.

Perhaps you've even been putting off accepting Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior until some more convenient day. But that day may never come. Since your last day on earth can be so unexpected, heed Paul's inspired words: "Now is the time of God's favor, now is the day of salvation" (2 Corinthians 6:2).

Are you living each day as if it were your last?

What would you change if this day were your last?
Picture posted by Carri Angel Photography
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http://www.carriangelphotography.com/2018/8/4/vgkrutwckwf7jeiwv2qd1yn6yzpekw
 
 

 
 
Chapter 65 - Reflection - The Search For God (Salvation),  

 God . . . rewards those who earnestly seek him. - Hebrews 11:6
PHOTO: God . . . rewards those who earnestly seek him. - Hebrews 11:6
Read: Job 23

Job must have felt as if he were on a roller coaster. One day he seemed to have everything, then suddenly, everything was taken away. He lost his family, his possessions, and his health, and he even became alienated from his wife and friends.

When Job's thoughts sank into the dark depths of doubt, he felt as if God had become an inaccessible stranger. He cried out, "If only I knew where to find him!" (Job 23:3).

Many people would say that Job was foolish to think that he could ever find God. In fact, one present-day atheist has called the quest for God "the biggest wild-goose chase in history."

But if you once felt close to God and now feel distant, or if you've never known the reality of a relationship with Him, don't believe for a split-second that you're on a wild-goose chase.

Remember, He loves you so much that He sent His Son to die for you (John 3:16). While you are groping for Him in the darkness, a nail-pierced hand is being lovingly extended toward you. Grasp it in faith! You will discover that the quest for God is not a wild-goose chase, but the way to find forgiveness of sin and the fulfillment of your deeper desire: a personal relationship with the God of the universe.

God sometimes puts us in the dark so that we may see the light.
Picture posted by Dreamstime - Search For God
 
 
 
 

Chapter 66 - Reflection - When God Feels Pain (Sanctification), 

If you love me, keep my commands. - John 14:15
PHOTO: If you love me, keep my commands. - John 14:15
Read: Hebrews 4:14-5:3

A men's group was discussing the reasons for living a morally pure life. One man argued that it was fear that kept him in line. Another insisted it was love. But a third man suggested that it was a love-motivated fear. Yes, he did fear the shame, the disgrace, and the punishment he might endure for wrongdoing, but worst of all was the fear of making his wife suffer. "I'd rather be beaten to death," he exclaimed, "than to see the hurt in the eyes of the woman I love."

That sheds some light on our Savior's statement, "If you love me, keep my commands." (John 14:15). If we wilfully break those commandments, we will suffer loss. But it should also matter to us how God responds to our disobedience. Hosea 11:8 tells us that God the Father feels loving anguish. Because of Israel's sin, He said: "My heart is changed within me; all my compassion is aroused."

Jesus also experiences pain when we disobey. He wept over the city of Jerusalem when it spurned His love (Luke 13:34). And in Ephesians 4:30-31, Paul exhorted believers not to grieve the Holy Spirit by being hard-hearted.

If we consider how much pain God feels when we are disobedient, we will find ample motivation to shun what is wrong and pursue what is right.

The highest motive for serving God is the desire to please Him.
Picture posted by roland0665
 
 
 
 

Chapter 67 - Reflection - The Secret Of Strength (Sanctification), 

 When I am weak, then I am strong. - 2 Corinthians 12:10
PHOTO: When I am weak, then I am strong. - 2 Corinthians 12:10Read: Hebrews 11:32-40

If there's anything we tend to despise, it's weakness. Strength, on the other hand, is regarded as praiseworthy. But the apostle Paul made a puzzling statement: "When I am weak, then I am strong" (2 Corinthians 12:10).

How would he say that? He learned that when his own strength gave out and his personal resources of energy and wisdom were depleted, he had to rely completely on God's inexhaustible grace. When he did that, his experience was like that of a traveler in the desert, who tosses aside his bone-dry canteen because he has come to an oasis with an abundant supply of crystal-pure water.

Hudson Taylor, the founder of the China Inland Mission, knew the secret of strength through weakness. Complimented once by a friend on the impact of the mission, Hudson answered: "It seemed to me God looked over the whole world to find a man who was weak enough to do His work, and when He at last found me, He said, 'He is weak enough - he'll do.' All God's giants have been weak men who did great things for God because they reckoned on His being with them."

Have we learned the secret of abandoning our utterly inadequate self-sufficiency in order to draw on the resources of God's unlimited power?

To experience God's strength, we must recognize our weakness.
Picture posted by Dan Reiland, Outreach Magazine on 26 April 2023
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJqQZszXW-XJUv2bkzhbZvE3Tq9ryUg6y1uaOnLxcu3MiwMSBKjc8PrJ1ev-f9m2HSldaUse9aqMYkYzuXHzlCmy4SewGVCrfYcCGfSUFrW_QweENfE8Hl0FYRKgyR9QhXTsoh7MH7oLcpLLyvYzTLLaiAO1rACjhQHUikH_-NRNFNoaEbZpJmcROytcg/s1021/23_0427_LEADERSHIP_I-Am-Week-But-You-Are-Strong_1021x640.jpg
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https://outreachmagazine.com/features/76033-i-am-week-but-he-is-strong.html
 

 How would he say that? He learned that when his own strength gave out and his personal resources of energy and wisdom were depleted, he had to rely completely on God's inexhaustible grace.
PHOTO: How would he say that? He learned that when his own strength gave out and his personal resources of energy and wisdom were depleted, he had to rely completely on God's inexhaustible grace. When he did that, his experience was like that of a traveler in the desert, who tosses aside his bone-dry canteen because he has come to an oasis with an abundant supply of crystal-pure water.
Picture posted by An Qiang - 春未尽夏初临 Chūn wèi jìn xià chū lín - spring is not over, summer is coming
Video downloaded from Pinterest at https://www.expertstrick.com/pinterest-video-downloader/
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Chapter 68 - Reflection - Witnessing From A Wheelchair (Serving), 

 The Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve. - Matthew 20:28
PHOTO: The Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve. - Matthew 20:28
Read: Matthew 25:31-40

A woman named Nancy put this advertisement in her local newspaper: "If you are lonely or have a problem, call me. I am in a wheelchair and seldom get out. We can share our problems with each other. Just call. I'd love to talk." The response to that ad has been tremendous - 30 calls or more every week.

What motivated this woman to reach out from her wheelchair to help others in need? Nancy explained that before her paralysis, she had been perfectly healthy but in deep despair. She had tried to commit suicide by jumping from her apartment window, but instead she became paralyzed from the waist down. In the hospital, utterly frustrated, she sensed Jesus saying to her: "Nancy, you've had a healthy body but a crippled soul. From now on you will have a crippled body but a healthy soul."

As a result of that experience, she surrendered her life to Christ. When she was finally allowed to go home, she prayed for a way to share God's grace with others, and the idea of the newspaper ad occurred to her.

Every believer can do something to help needy people. Limited as we may be by sickness, old age, or disability, we can still pray, call, or write. No matter what our condition, we can be an effective witness for Jesus Christ.

Only after you talk to God about needy people are you ready to talk to needy people about God.
Picture posted by Amy Martin on 23 January 2021 at 12:30am - Lady Harders is celebrating her 100th birthday. Picture: Karleen Minney
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https://www.canberratimes.com.au/story/7094734/canberras-100-year-old-republican-receives-letter-from-the-queen/
 

 What motivated this woman to reach out from her wheelchair to help others in need?
PHOTO: What motivated this woman to reach out from her wheelchair to help others in need? Nancy explained that before her paralysis, she had been perfectly healthy but in deep despair. She had tried to commit suicide by jumping from her apartment window, but instead she became paralyzed from the waist down. In the hospital, utterly frustrated, she sensed Jesus saying to her: "Nancy, you've had a healthy body but a crippled soul. From now on you will have a crippled body but a healthy soul."
Picture posted in Pinterest
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 I long to see you . . . that you and I may be mutually encouraged by each other's faith. - Romans 1:11-12
PHOTO: I long to see you . . . that you and I may be mutually encouraged by each other's faith. - Romans 1:11-12
Read: Acts 27:21-36

Discouragement is a problem for many Christians. While they may not be distressed about health, family, or work, they're discouraged about their spiritual service. They compare themselves to others who are gifted with musical talents or the ability to teach the Bible. They see people who are able to give generously and pray with evident effectiveness, but they think they can't do these things. As a result, they feel they are useless to God. They need to realize, however, that every Christian is qualified to carry on at least one helpful ministry - the ministry of encouragement.

Renowned preacher Robert Dale was walking one day in Birmingham, England, where he was pastoring Carrs Lane Church. He was under a dark cloud of gloom when a woman came up to him and exclaimed, "God bless you, Dr. Dale. If you could only know how you have made me feel hundreds of times!" Then off she hurried. Dale later testified, "The mist broke, the sunlight came, and I breathed the free air of the mountains of God."

The apostle Paul knew how important it was not only to be encouraged by others (Philippians 2:19) but also to be an encourager (Acts 20:2; 27:35-36). That's a ministry all of us can be involved in.

Even if you have nothing else to give, you can always give encouragement.
Credit: Adobe Stock
Picture posted by    J. Borchardt, Eos on 28 October 2015
 

 Discouragement is a problem for many Christians.
PHOTO: Discouragement is a problem for many Christians. While they may not be distressed about health, family, or work, they're discouraged about their spiritual service. They compare themselves to others who are gifted with musical talents or the ability to teach the Bible. They see people who are able to give generously and pray with evident effectiveness, but they think they can't do these things. As a result, they feel they are useless to God. They need to realize, however, that every Christian is qualified to carry on at least one helpful ministry - the ministry of encouragement.
Picture posted by Utoimage
 

 Reflect and Pray
PHOTO: Reflect and Pray
It may seem insignificant
To say a word or two,
But when it is encouragement,
What wonders it can do! - K. DeHaan
Picture posted by Splashes of Joy



Chapter 70 - Reflection - Undeserved Blessings (Suffering),
 
God . . . has blessed us in the heavenly realms with every spiritual blessing in Christ. - Ephesians 1:3
PHOTO: God . . . has blessed us in the heavenly realms with every spiritual blessing in Christ. - Ephesians 1:3
 
Tennis superstar Arthur Ashe died of AIDS, which he contracted from a blood transfusion during heart surgery. More than a great athlete, Ashe was a gentleman who inspired and encouraged many with his exemplary behavior on and off the court.

Ashe could have become embittered and self-pitying in the face of his disease, but he maintained a grateful attitude. He explained: "If I asked, 'Why me?' about my troubles, I would have to ask, 'Why me?' about my blessings. Why my winning Wimbledon? Why my marrying a beautiful, gifted woman and having a wonderful child?"

Ashe's attitude rebukes those of us who often grumble: "Why me? Why is God allowing this to happen?" Even if we're suffering acutely, we must not forget the mercies God pours into our lives - such things as food, shelter, and friends - blessings that many are deprived of.

And what about spiritual blessings? We can hold the very Word of God in our hands and read it. We have the knowledge of His saving grace, the comfort of His Spirit, and the joyful assurance of life everlasting with Jesus.

Think about God's blessings and ask: "Why me?" Then your grumbling will give way to praise.

God never stops giving us reasons to praise Him.
 
 

 Reflect and Pray
PHOTO: Reflect and Pray
Are you ever burdened with a load of care?
Does the cross seem heavy you are called to bear?
Count your many blessings, every doubt will fly,
And you will be singing as the days go by. - Oatman
Picture posted by Etsy
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Chapter 71 - Reflection - Joy On The Journey (Suffering), 

 The Lord is good to all; he has compassion on all he has made. - Psalm 145:9
PHOTO: The Lord is good to all; he has compassion on all he has made. - Psalm 145:9
Read: Psalm 145:1-2

What the evangelist said shocked many in his audience: "Heaven is my home, but I'm homesick." He wasn't downplaying the anticipation we should have for heaven. Rather, he was reflecting the truth that our heavenly Father wants us to enjoy with gratitude the good things He has provided for us in this world. This old Jewish proverb reinforces the idea: "In the judgment, a man will be held accountable for every blessing he refused to enjoy."

For those who are near the end of life, are lonely or depressed, or whose bodies are weak and disease-ravaged, it is understandable that they long for the indescribable blessings of the land of no more heartache, pain, and tears. But as Christians, we certainly must not disregard the daily mercies and the rich bounties our Father gives to us. The Bible says that God "richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment" (1 Timothy 6:17). His goodness is shown to all mankind in "rain from heaven and crops in their seasons; he provides you with plenty of food and fills your hearts with joy" (Acts 14:17). In other words, all of us, even non-Christians, are able to enjoy much of life's goodness.

Yes, heaven awaits us, but God wants us to be glad and enjoy all His goodness as we journey homeward.

God is good to all people in some ways and to some people in all ways.
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8b1446602511b7ea91de668d2a91d234.jpg



 Reflect and Pray
PHOTO: Reflect and Pray
The God who put us here on earth
Knows life is tinged with sadness,
And so He offers many things
That fill our hearts with gladness. - Hess
Picture posted by Kristina@kristina7968 on 15 May 2023 at 05:40 pm - Many heartfelt thanks for your wonderful and loving morning greetings, dear Renate, and always with all my heart. 🌹🌿💞🌿❣️🌴
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Chapter 72 - Reflection - Will You Live To Be 100? (Senior Years), 


 What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes. - James 4:14
PHOTO: What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes. - James 4:14
Read: James 4:13-17

Magazine publisher J. I. Rodale, a zealous advocate of health foods, claimed at the age of 72 that he would live to be 100. The same week that his prediction appeared in The New York Times, he was being interviewed for a television program, again claiming that his bones were as strong as ever. Moments after making his boast, he died of a heart attack.

Dr. Stuart Berger, a nutritionist, claimed that he had the formula for living past the century mark. Although he had supposedly found the secret of youthfulness and had convinced many to follow his advice, he died in his sleep at the age of 40, grossly overweight.

Then there was author Jim Fixx, who advocated running to prevent coronary trouble. Yet at the age of 52 he died of a heart attack - yes, ironically, while running.

Common sense dictates that we ought to take every possible measure to keep ourselves healthy. But in the final analysis, each of us must pray, "I trust in you, Lord . . . My times are in your hands" (Psalm 31:14-15).

Because any day, even today, may be our final day on earth, we need to be sure that we are ready to depart. Are you?

If we are prepared to die, we are prepared to live.
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https://pbs.twimg.com/media/EaD0zRVXgAQf_R9?format=jpg&name=medium
https://twitter.com/HRBOpenRes/status/1270284258331025408
 
 
 
 
 
Joanie Yoder
Joanie Yoder was a favorite among Our Daily Bread readers. She and her husband set up a Christian rehabilitation center for drug addicts in England. Widowed in 1982, she learned to rely on the Lord's help and strength, and wrote about true dependence on God and His life-changing power in a book, Finding the God-Dependent Life. She went home to the Lord in 2004.

Chapter 73 - Reflection - Cut-Flower Christians (Sanctification), 

 Apart from me you can do nothing. - John 15:5
PHOTO: Apart from me you can do nothing. - John 15:5
Read: John 15:1-8

Almost every woman likes to receive a bouquet of cut flowers. After admiring and smelling them, she wastes no time getting them into water. Even though they are fresh and beautiful when she gets them, their days are numbered. Because they've been severed from their life-source, they will soon wither and die. One day, she will have to throw them away.

Author Lloyd Ogilvie sees in this a picture of the Christians whose spiritual vitality has faded and shriveled. Such a person has become a "cut-flower Christian." This is similar to the illustration Jesus used in describing the vine and the branches. Just as a branch can't bear fruit by itself, He explained, we can't bear spiritual fruit unless we abide in Him, the true vine (John 15:4).

If a branch could speak, it wouldn't apologize for its need to depend on the vine for bearing fruit. It would say instead: "For this I was made!" Likewise, Jesus knew we were made for dependence on Him, our life-source - no apology needed! In fact, such dependence is the only way to avoid becoming a "cut-flower Christian."

Let embrace His declaration, "Apart from me you can do nothing." He is really saying: "With Me you can do everything I appoint for you, including bearing much fruit!"

Fellowship with Christ is the secret of fruitfulness.
Picture posted by glanzbild.blogspot.fi on Tuesday, 10 March 2015 - Easter cross
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http://glanzbild.blogspot.com/2015/03/blog-post.html?m=1
 

 Apart from me you can do nothing. - John 15:5
PHOTO: Apart from me you can do nothing. - John 15:5
Picture posted by Depositphotos
 
 
 


Chapter 74 - Reflection - Beware Of Quick Fixes (Sanctification), 

 They soon forgot what he had done and did not wait for his plan to unfold. - Psalm 106:13
PHOTO: They soon forgot what he had done and did not wait for his plan to unfold. - Psalm 106:13
Read: Psalm 106:1-15

Some people pray only in a crisis. Their "quick fix" mentality sees God mainly as a problem solver. When merciful solutions come, He is courteously thanked, then more or less forgotten until the next crisis.

The story is told of a little rich girl, accustomed to servants, who was afraid to climb a dark stairway alone. Her mother suggested that she overcome her fear by asking Jesus to go with her up the stairs. When the child reached the top, she was overheard saying, "Thank You, Jesus. You may go now."

We smile, but Psalm 106 contains a serious warning against dismissing God from our lives - as if that were possible. Israel had a tendency to take the Lord's mercies for granted, and God called that rebellion (Psalm 106:7). They ended up with malnourished souls because they chose to ignore Him (Psalm 106:13-15). What lessons for us!

Anticipate great things from God, but don't expect Him to come at your beak and call. Instead, be at His beak and call, eager to fulfill His will.

Like the little rich girl, let's ask God to accompany us through life's dark passageways. But instead of dismissing Him when our special needs are met, let's cling to Him as if our lives depended on it. They do!

Do you pray for what you want, or for what God wants?
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 The story is told of a little rich girl, accustomed to servants, who was afraid to climb a dark stairway alone.
PHOTO: The story is told of a little rich girl, accustomed to servants, who was afraid to climb a dark stairway alone. Her mother suggested that she overcome her fear by asking Jesus to go with her up the stairs. When the child reached the top, she was overheard saying, "Thank You, Jesus. You may go now."
Picture posted by Pinterest
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 Reflect and Pray
PHOTO: Reflect and Pray
If we pray wit sinful motives,
Then our heart is far from right;
We must seek to know His bidding -
What is pleasing in His sight. - D. DeHaan
Picture posted by mossaabdaoui on 26 October 2014 - Three meters above the sky (PSD)
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https://www.deviantart.com/mossaabdaoui/art/Three-meters-above-the-sky-PSD-490746994
 
 

Chapter 75 - Reflection - Our Full-Time Intercessor (Sanctification),  
https://veryfatoldman.blogspot.com/2023/08/reflection-joanie-yoder-our-full-time.html [75]

 He always lives to intercede for them. - Hebrews 7:25
PHOTO: He always lives to intercede for them. - Hebrews 7:25
Read: Hebrews 7:11-28

It was dawn, and I was painfully aware of being only a few weeks into widowhood. After another restless night, I felt too weary to pray for myself, "Lord," I sighed, "I need someone to pray for me right now."

Almost instantly, God's Spirit comforted my distraught mind with the words of today's text, reminding me that Jesus was praying for me that very moment. With a wave of relief, I acknowledged Him as my lifelong intercessor. I will never forget how that bleak morning became gold-ringed with hope. Since then, I have drawn courage and strength countless times from my faithful High Priest.

Robert Murray McCheyne (1813-1843), pioneer missionary to America, testified: "If I could hear Christ praying for me in the next room, I would not fear a million enemies. Yet distance makes no difference. He is praying for me!"

We, too, can draw courage and strength from Jesus. He is our priestly representative before God the Father.

Are difficult circumstances creating fear in your heart? By all means, ask others to pray for you. But don't forget to count on the prayers of Jesus Himself. By faith, hear Him praying around the clock for you, as if He were in the next room.

Earth has no sorrow that heaven does not feel.
Picture posted by Maria Olsen, Crunchy Tales on 01 March 2021
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https://www.crunchytales.com/wp-content/uploads/CT_01_03_2021-center-1400x788.png
https://www.crunchytales.com/life-after-a-loss-basic-steps-for-coping-with-widowhood/
https://veryfatoldman.blogspot.com/2023/08/reflection-joanie-yoder-our-full-time.html
 

 Almost instantly, God's Spirit comforted my distraught mind with the words of today's text, reminding me that Jesus was praying for me that very moment.
PHOTO: Almost instantly, God's Spirit comforted my distraught mind with the words of today's text, reminding me that Jesus was praying for me that very moment. With a wave of relief, I acknowledged Him as my lifelong intercessor. I will never forget how that bleak morning became gold-ringed with hope. Since then, I have drawn courage and strength countless times from my faithful High Priest.
Picture posted by Pinterest
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Chapter 76 - Reflection - A Way Of Loving (Serving), 


 Oh, that I had someone to hear me! - Job 31:35
PHOTO: Oh, that I had someone to hear me! - Job 31:35
Read: Job 16:1-6

In her book, Listening to Others, author Joyce Huggett relates her experiences of listening to suffering people. She says they often raved about all she had done for them. "On many occasions," she writes, "I had not 'done' anything. I had 'just listened.' I quickly came to the conclusion that 'just listening' was indeed an effective way of helping others."

This was the help that Job's wordy, preachy friends failed to give him. He complained that they were "miserable comforters" (Job 16:2), and was so distraught that he even accused God of not listening. He cried out, "Oh , that I had someone to hear me!" (Job 31:35).

What does active listening accomplish? Listening is a way of loving others. It says: "I want to understand and know you." It comforts the broken-hearted, builds relationships, and encourages faith in God. Listening is also a means of learning the facts. Solomon, in Proverbs 18:13, warned that it is folly to answer a matter before hearing it.

Most of all, listening to others should reflect our attentiveness toward God and His Word. He has so much He wants to teach us and tell us. As you take a moment of stillness today and give Him a listening ear, you'll be better able to listen to the hurting people around you.

You can win more friends with your ears than with your mouth.
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 Most of all, listening to others should reflect our attentiveness toward God and His Word.
PHOTO: Most of all, listening to others should reflect our attentiveness toward God and His Word. He has so much He wants to teach us and tell us. As you take a moment of stillness today and give Him a listening ear, you'll be better able to listen to the hurting people around you.
Picture posted by Love God Forever
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 Reflect and Pray
PHOTO: Reflect and Pray
A caring heart, a listening ear,
A thoughtful word, a loving tear
Will help to lift the heavy load.
Of hurting people on life's road. - D. DrHaan
Picture posted by Rainbow - Flower wallpaper
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Chapter 77 - Reflection - Life Words (Serving), 

 The tongue has the power of life and death. Proverbs 18:21
PHOTO: The tongue has the power of life and death. Proverbs 18:21
Read: Colossians 4:2-6

Words of encouragement can be "life words," bringing new motivation to our lives. Writer Mark Twain said that he could live for a whole month on one good compliment!

Christian encouragement, however, is more than a compliment or a pat on the back, valuable as these can be. One writer described it as "the kind of expression that helps someone want to be a better Christian, even when life is rough."

As a youth, Larry Crabb had developed a stutter that humiliated him in a school assembly. A short time later, when praying aloud in a church service, his stutter caused him to get both his words and his theology mixed up in his prayer. Expecting stern correction, Larry slipped out of the service, resolving never to speak in public again. On his way out, he was stopped by an older man who said: "Larry, there's one thing I want you to know. Whatever you do for the Lord, I'm behind you one thousand percent." Larry's resolve never again to speak publicly weakened instantly. Now, many years later, the well-known Christian counselor and author addresses large crowds without stuttering.

Paul told us to season our speech with grace so that we may know how to answer others (Colossians 4:6). Then we will speak "life words" that bring encouragement.

Correction may mold us, but encouragement will motivate us.
Picture posted by Meika Welds, Wealth of Geeks on 24 March 2022
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https://wealthofgeeks.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/Encouragement.png
https://wealthofgeeks.com/words-of-encouragement/
 
 
 
 
 
Chapter 78 - Reflection - His Good Purpose (Suffering),  

 In all things God works for the good of those who love him. - Romans 8:28
PHOTO: In all things God works for the good of those who love him. - Romans 8:28
Read: Romans 8:28-39

Romans 8:28 - how easily and how often this Bible reference rolls off our tongues! But perhaps we need to grasp more fully what this verse is really saying.

Randy Alcorn, in a book he has co-authored with his wife Nanci, offers some insights on Romans 8:28. He quotes the New American Standard Bible (NASB) translation of this verse: "God causes all things to work together for good." Randy points out that it doesn't say each individual thing is good, but that God works them together for good.

Recalling his boyhood days, Randy tells how he often watched his mother bake cakes. One day, when she had all the ingredients set out - flour, sugar, baking powder, raw egg, vanilla - he sneaked a taste of each one. Except for the sugar, they all tasted horrible. Then his mother stirred them together and put the batter in the oven. "It didn't make sense to me," he recalls, "that the combination of individually distasteful things produced such a tasty product."

Randy concludes that God likewise "takes all the undesirable stresses in our lives, mixes them together, puts them under the heat of crisis, and produces a perfect result."

Let's look beyond our immediate circumstances and remember that God has an ultimate good purpose.

When things look bad, don't forget: God is good.
Picture posted by Ellen Mayer
 
 
 


Chapter 79 - Reflection - The Acid Test (Suffering), https://veryfatoldman.blogspot.com/2023/09/reflection-joanie-yoder-acid-test.html [79]

 The proven genuineness of your faith - of greatest worth than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire - may result in praise, glory and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed. - 1 Peter 1:7
PHOTO: The proven genuineness of your faith - of greatest worth than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire - may result in praise, glory and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed. - 1 Peter 1:7
Read: 1 Peter 1:3-21

A severe trial is sometimes called an "acid test." This term originated during times when gold was widely circulated. Nitric acid was applied to an object of gold to see if it was genuine or not. If it was fake, the acid decomposed it; if it was genuine, the gold was unaffected.

In God's view, our faith is "of greater worth than gold," and it too must be tested (1 Peter 1:7). But these "acid tests" are positive ones. The Lord is working to reveal genuine faith, not to expose false faith.

During hard times, though, we may feel overwhelmed with the fear that our faith is decomposing, Ronald Dunn, a Bible teacher who has experienced much personal tragedy, knows what we are going through. He writes: "I'm often mystified . . . I don't understand why it is that as I endeavor to live for God and pray and believe, everything seems to be falling apart. Sometimes I struggle, and I say, 'Dear Lord, why are You allowing this to happen?'" Dunn concludes, "It's good for us to remember that God is not an arsonist; He's a refiner."

If you're undergoing a test of your faith, you can rejoice because it may be the very thing that God wants to use to purify and strengthen you.

God is not an arsonist; He's a refiner. - Dunn
Picture posted by Impress God Not Others on Wednesday, 28 September 2022 at 09:49 pm
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https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=179591394640785&set=pb.100077697750503.-2207520000
 
 
 


Chapter 80 - Reflection - Foundational Praying (Senior Years),  

 For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain. - Philippians 1:21
PHOTO: For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain. - Philippians 1:21
Read: John 20:11-18

It was a sunny, sad day in 1982 - the day after my husband's funeral. I had gone alone to Bill's grave, hardly knowing why. As with Mary Magdalene who visited Jesus' tomb, the risen Lord was waiting for me. He impressed the words of Philippians 1:21 on my vacant mind, still numbed by Bill's untimely cancer death, I wove my prayer around the words of that verse:

"Lord, how often I've heard Bill testify, 'For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain.' Well, your servant has now died, and untold loss for us, and unspeakable gain for him. I know, Lord, that I too will die someday and enter that gain. But right now I'm still alive, I know I must not live in the past, precious as it is. For me, to live is You!"

As I turned to leave, I knew I had prayed a foundational prayer. Much recovery and rebuilding lay before me, but beneath me was the only firm foundation on which to build - Jesus Christ.

Has a loved one's death or the fear of your own death tested your foundation? Let Paul's words, written in the face of death, and Jesus' words to Mary encourage you to offer a foundational prayer of your own. Then begin to rebuild on the risen Christ!

Prayer is the soil in which hope and healing grow best.
Picture posted by Dr. Will Cole, Cole Natural Health Centers
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCHKwzcCaII47Bq1qRapVNCfHYKmeSNY3DfBMm0fK-zeR8rQUZ7hBqPYRmK5y-kW2GAK0ZM8uL6hBEa0WmrJri6w526lZU84NUI8tlaNdkUxwf7ndvbL3L2shd3ZlhIcrZBa2VnCOfZz6XfuTe-2lgM5uue1EezW3A8Vpp_I7ZkIg7cZG4HHYKzjI8pyI/s2048/dr-lisa-miller-how-spirituality-changes-your-brain-mood-dr-will-cole-2048x1365.jpg
https://drwillcole.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/dr-lisa-miller-how-spirituality-changes-your-brain-mood-dr-will-cole-2048x1365.jpg
https://drwillcole.com/podcast/dr-lisa-miller-how-spirituality-changes-your-brain-mood
 

 Has a loved one's death or the fear of your own death tested your foundation?
PHOTO: Has a loved one's death or the fear of your own death tested your foundation? Let Paul's words, written in the face of death, and Jesus' words to Mary encourage you to offer a foundational prayer of your own. Then begin to rebuild on the risen Christ!
Picture posted in Pinterest
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidiUZK_4ay8LF0N7aw4a5q3Jc9QMFNLpdQrc_s_w2IMMCYJYOegbJ2U2FguiuHI9vMwDv5irVzFCTczd71zb5J-uZUisnBNmTEVhRBUQEqP6qYpAShpnHM4fkEqIS88uzmtVNgUyXZPnmhOxao3SMm-0oqhX9ixmz0pdF9QFrJuiIaotLhdui3FugGKLQ/s960/e6ebc1fbaa5e90869e457d6243228081.jpg
https://i.pinimg.com/originals/e6/eb/c1/e6ebc1fbaa5e90869e457d6243228081.jpg
https://www.pinterest.com/pin/639511215820226339/
 
 


Chapter 81 - Reflection - How Will You Be Remembered? (Senior Years), 

 Teach us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom. - Psalm 90:12
PHOTO: Teach us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom. - Psalm 90:12
Read: Psalm 90:1-12

When we are young, we tend to live as if we think we'll never die. Yet the psalmist said that if we want to gain a heart of wisdom, we need to start numbering our days, whatever our age (Psalm 90:12). The best way to number them is to make sure that our life is patterned each day after the example of Jesus. Only then can we anticipate that our life will not have been lived in vain.

James Dobson, a well-known authority on the family, tells a story about his father, who was greatly loved by all who knew him. James Dobson Sr. spent much time in intercessory prayer, considering prayer for others his most important business on earth. In fact, he specified in his will that only two words were to be put on his tombstone following his name: HE PRAYED.

Of the thousands of verbs in our language, by which one are you likely to be remembered? He served, She cared. He supported. She praised. What if dishonoring verbs are linked with you because of thoughtlessness or selfishness? He cheated. She complained. It's not too late to repent and trade these descriptions in for Christ-honoring ones. Then trust God to build them into your character. That's the best way to number your days!

Living for the Lord leaves a lasting legacy.
Picture posted by Art Abyss
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhg5cyMqPY9sy3R9vSYuPiBfdeBSJ6-HvWxc8XQJA5MGLCNqhZhCVbFJq3LNgh8DNOsMCuMietWzhRl3p3Rd6DKmBmVzwzUpVTlODxgcqq3F7KJLSfJddyjEpwEofAZIq-dEPhS8XFYV_T2UcBVgUCah461VZGdMTkB-JUzP6A8RsQbkMxO1-EhZ3vS9p8/s1366/110164_11.png
https://artfiles.alphacoders.com/110/110164.jpg
https://art.alphacoders.com/arts/view/110164
 

 Of the thousands of verbs in our language, by which one are you likely to be remembered?
PHOTO: Of the thousands of verbs in our language, by which one are you likely to be remembered? He served, She cared. He supported. She praised. What if dishonoring verbs are linked with you because of thoughtlessness or selfishness? He cheated. She complained. It's not too late to repent and trade these descriptions in for Christ-honoring ones. Then trust God to build them into your character. That's the best way to number your days!
Photoshop from picture posted by Gregory Baugher, suburbanmen.com on 29 June 2022
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPvB0cCUsKVemvBBpp788Umneopdm9PY8z-RKXQ2olF-FGYaLT1BJlq2jgj_EWlLm5XpnqOgXxC9NYIC_chDJsyNpTeDpcOAsE8dBFiY1Oj73MUXkYyZAeRpIQB2NvUN4phXqjAeufE2426bNnZqkt3oFkbBSK-kD-QVTyNgeNE7BDEVhB9fULaeAsO2E/s903/rise-shine-20220629-111_1.png
https://suburbanmen.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/rise-shine-20220629-111.jpg
https://suburbanmen.com/rise-and-shine-20220629/1333867/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=rise-and-shine-20220629
 
 
 

Julie Ackerman Link
A book editor by profession, Julie Ackermann Link wrote for Our Daily Bread from 2000 to 2015. Her books, Above All, Love and A Heart for God, were published by Discovery House, which is affiliated with Our Daily Bread Ministries. After a lengthy battle with cancer, she went to be with the Lord in 2015.

Chapter 82 - Reflection - Saving Ourselves (Salvation), 

 If we died with him, we also live with him. - 2 Timothy 2:11PHOTO: If we died with him, we also live with him. - 2 Timothy 2:11
Read: 1 Corinthians 15:12-20

Inside, music was playing. Outside, leaves were falling. Catching a gust of wind, one of the last leaves of autumn blew briefly upward as I heard the phrase, "He is risen!" By the end of the song, however, the leaf had reached the ground. Gravity had overcome the breeze.

Later, I overheard three middle-aged women discussing diets, exercise, face-lifts, and other age-defying efforts. Like the leaf, they were trying to keep gravity from pulling them toward the inevitable.

Their conversation reminds me of the good works people do to try to save themselves from spiritual death. But just as leaves cannot keep from falling and people cannot keep from aging, no one can work hard enough to avoid the consequence of sin, which is death (Romans 6:23).

At the crucifixion, mockers challenged Jesus to save Himself. Instead, He put His life into the hands of God, and God gave back to Him not only His own life but ours as well. To receive salvation, we too must simply put our lives into the hands of God, for if the Spirit of Him who raised Jesus from the dead lives in us, He will give life to us as well (Romans 8:11).

The forces of sin outside cannot defeat the life of Christ inside.

Salvation isn't turning over a new leaf; it's receiving a new life.
Picture posted by prasuna - Aesthetic
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhn1KNbLaKlntTGTTMAqM5xt1qA3I03ImqdkyvaQmnEy6HZ22zpI7b7Psi5-T67dk2syBXnwDcw0tTxEKGwranwX_ph0XSdb7Syyi9B1mBC4FtokvQCGtwFI45mf-lrgYyOkXPk3VupbHhwVG7h8uHDAzXi-aNhPxZOI8SRbzV2bHP45DEgJOYI8fWnbOU/s1200/4f905b93c5f83da0ad501fc7d7ed9557.jpg
https://i.pinimg.com/originals/4f/90/5b/4f905b93c5f83da0ad501fc7d7ed9557.jpg
https://www.pinterest.com/pin/3729612228413030/
 
 
 
 

Chapter 83 - Reflection - Celebrate Freedom (Salvation), 
 
 Through Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit who gives life has set you free from the law of sin and death. - Romans 8:2
PHOTO: Through Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit who gives life has set you free from the law of sin and death. - Romans 8:2
Read: Romans 6:15-23

After being kidnapped, held hostage for 13 days, and released, New Zealand news cameraman Olaf Wiig, with a broad smile on his face, announced, "I feel more alive now than I have in my entire life."

For reasons difficult to understand, being freed is more exhilarating (thrilling) than being free.

For those who enjoy freedom every day, Olaf's joy was a good reminder of how easily we forget how blessed we are. This is also true spiritually. Those of us who have been Christians for a long time often forget what it's like to be held hostage by sin. We can become complacent and even ungrateful. But then God sends a reminder in the form of a new believer who gives an exuberant (cheerful) testimony of what God has done in his or her life, and once again we see the joy that is ours when we are "free from the law of sin and death" (Romans 8:2).

If freedom has become boring to you, or if you tend to focus on what you can't do, consider this: not only are you no longer a slave to sin, but you are freed to be holy and to enjoy eternal life with Christ Jesus (Romans 6:22)!

Celebrate your freedom in Christ by taking the time to thank God for the things you are able and free to do as His servant.

Living for Christ brings true freedom.
Picture posted by Deliverance Ministry - Setting the Captives FREE in Jesus name!
https://veryfatoldman.blogspot.com/2023/09/reflection-julie-ackerman-link.html
 

 For those who enjoy freedom every day, Olaf's joy was a good reminder of how easily we forget how blessed we are.
PHOTO: For those who enjoy freedom every day, Olaf's joy was a good reminder of how easily we forget how blessed we are. This is also true spiritually. Those of us who have been Christians for a long time often forget what it's like to be held hostage by sin. We can become complacent and even ungrateful. But then God sends a reminder in the form of a new believer who gives an exuberant (cheerful) testimony of what God has done in his or her life, and once again we see the joy that is ours when we are "free from the law of sin and death" (Romans 8:2).
Picture posted by Google
 
 


Chapter 84 - Reflection - Roots Or Shoots? (Sanctification),  

 But when the sun came up, the plants were scorched, and they withered because they had no root. - Matthew 13:6
PHOTO: But when the sun came up, the plants were scorched, and they withered because they had no root. - Matthew 13:6
Read: Matthew 13:1-9

In the life of trees, one key to survival is having more roots than shoots. In his book, Oak: The Frame of Civilization, author William Bryant Logan says: "If a tree puts on a lot of top growth and few roots, it is liable to be weak-wooded and short-lived . . .  If a tree puts down a great deal of roots and adds shoots more slowly, however, it is liable to be long-lived and more resistant to stress and strain."

People and organizations can be like trees. The rise to prominence is exhilarating (thrilling), but anything that puts up shoots faster than it puts down roots is fragile and in danger of breaking, falling, or dying.

Jesus used a similar analogy in His parable of the sower. People who hear the Word and receive it joyfully are like seed sown on stony places; they spring up quickly but endure only a short time because they have no roots (Matthew 13:6, 20-21).

Roots aren't at all glamorous, but they are the source of our strength. If our roots go deep in the knowledge of God (Jeremiah 9:24) and our lives are "hidden with Christ in God" (Colossians 3:3), we'll be strong, resistant to blight, and more likely to survive the storms of adversity.

How deep are your roots?

The roots of stability come from being grounded in God's Word and prayer.
Picture posted by Minister Dr. Sharon Watson on 20 September 2020
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj15UNVRNYZ_x8tRJrSeNaqSwr9gjAWDnqiBfnE3HAP66UmkvWgJe8EI3CM8M_H8_UbDTfwT51xOgbOVifTO-GjuhksqQgdIrMw8VPnu-YHKKC9tHySuyy3GBx7s_DgH65Hiw7f3-wMKjTTplJaPiydf7Wa8hRSps51ymlHR-ze0SQiHanEjIitchxo44s/s1080/8225d8_41668c99abd44e5daf782a04e43cc946~mv2.png
https://static.wixstatic.com/media/8225d8_41668c99abd44e5daf782a04e43cc946~mv2.png
https://www.oministriesinc.org/post/subject-spiritual-roots
 

 Roots aren't at all glamorous, but they are the source of our strength.
PHOTO: Roots aren't at all glamorous, but they are the source of our strength. If our roots go deep in the knowledge of God (Jeremiah 9:24) and our lives are "hidden with Christ in God" (Colossians 3:3), we'll be strong, resistant to blight, and more likely to survive the storms of adversity.
Artwork by David Bowman - Peace
Picture posted by Dyann Shepard on 22 August 2019
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNqS9Rew2MOY0Bv4hniX6oWQcpMoZz9RlFhMrNjtfZALdrf66dDxM1FCEWqCPbjml6N1r7fBiWOiZY0kmo43O_mc77VNzfizYHV64WjAwO1XuSgloTUAAIwFPIa0ziGRjxzDzCe9zroUlbMwZPMmhv_QOd94Y-TFUqvgfcQZmt2tnZT-jPAQ8aDMVhdtc/s725/DBA-Peace-Print.jpg
https://personalparables.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/DBA-Peace-Print.jpg
https://personalparables.com/you-are-gods-poem/
 
 
 

Chapter 85 - Reflection - Keep The Fire Burning (Sanctification), 

 Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord. - Romans 12:11
PHOTO: Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord. - Romans 12:11
Read: Romans 12:9-21

Modern furnaces have taken the work out of keeping warm in cold climate. We simply set the timer on the thermostat, and the house is warm when we get up in the morning. But in former days, fire was carefully tended and fuel supplies were closely monitored. Running out could be deadly.

The same is true spiritually. If we think our "spiritual fire" can be ignited as easily as a modern furnace, we risk losing our fervor for the Lord.

In ancient Israel, the priests were instructed not to let the fire on the altar go out (Leviticus 6:9, 12-13). This required a lot of work, not the least of which was collecting firewood in a land not known for its dense forests.

Some scholars see the fire on the altar as a symbol for the flame of our devotion for the Lord. Spiritual passion is not something to be treated lightly or taken for granted. It will grow cold if we fail to keep it supplied with fuel.

The apostle Paul addressed the subject of spiritual fervor in his letter to the Romans (Romans 12:1-2, 11). To keep the fire of our devotion burning strong, we must continue the hard work of stocking our fuel supply with hope, patience, steadfast prayers, generosity, hospitality, and humility (Romans 12:11-16).

Our love for Jesus is the key to spiritual passion.
Picture posted by Brett Killingsworth - Holy Spirit Fire, Stephanie Haavik
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2hgWbdZqdm23EUM2z4lWV2DGQqactXpGmYuzc37cUqeEXDWn2OL9wOJDoKeqk_oOWunVeVcHrCZkUvFydnbZut25CrghTdrl01SicixyRjBLO0VfSwiO3scfvwm5re9-aytrb2i5eIWIPbUDn3ZmPPhTkkRtn-eSAEZRdb0MQarAUF4jRYyBxfY_KCA4/s1000/a03ec4fe400dd89852493efe33248f99.1000x1000x1.jpg
https://images.genius.com/a03ec4fe400dd89852493efe33248f99.1000x1000x1.jpg
https://genius.com/Stephanie-haavik-holy-spirit-fire-lyrics
 
 
 
 

Chapter 86 - Reflection - Fearing The Worst (Serving), https://veryfatoldman.blogspot.com/2023/10/reflection-julie-ackerman-link-fearing.html [86]

 Carry each other's burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ. - Galatians 6:2
PHOTO: Carry each other's burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ. - Galatians 6:2
Read: Galatians 6:2-10

When I learned I needed chemotherapy, my biggest fear was losing my hair. I knew this was a vain thought and should have been a minor concern, but I rationalized that it was okay to grieve what the Bible calls a woman's glory (1 Corinthians 11:15).

I knew, however, that the loss I was grieving was not my glory, but my identity. My hair, which reached to my knees was so much a part of who I was that I was afraid of losing myself when I lost it. In the past I'd had nightmares about having my hair cut. What would happen when it was really gone? I feared the worst.

But the worst never happened. I had my hair cut short - a little anxiety, but no nightmares. And then it fell out - some sadness, but no despondency (downheartedness).

Several weeks later my dear friend Marge said to me, "Julie, I can't tell you how often I have grieved the loss of your hair. It's so much a part of you."

Suddenly, I realized that Marge was fulfilling the command of Galatians 6:2, "Carry each other's burdens." She was coming alongside me with prayers and empathy to ease my burdens.

Satan wants to defeat us with heavy burdens, but fellow believers by their love and support can minimize the suffering he causes.

Bearing one another's burden helps make the burden bearable.
Picture posted by Adobe
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Chapter 87 - Reflection - Giving God Our Best (Serving),   

 The house to be built for the Lord should be of great magnificence. - 1 Chronicles 22:5PHOTO: The house to be built for the Lord should be of great magnificence. - 1 Chronicles 22:5
Read: 1 Chronicles 22

We had rehearsed the song for several weeks, and it sounded good. But there was one tricky section that we just couldn't get right. We were ready to call it good enough. Our choir director seemed to agree. He, too, was weary of rehearsing the same few measures over and over.

Finally, he said: "We've worked hard on this. You're tired. I'm tired. We're running short on time. And 99 percent of the people won't know weather or not we sing it right." As we started to put away our music, he continued: "But we're going to sing it right for the 1 percent who know the difference." We groaned as we reopened our music to the rumpled (creased) page.

On Sunday morning, when we sang it right, few people knew. But that didn't matter. What really mattered was that we were singing from our heart for an audience of One - One who deserves excellent praise.

King David wanted the house built for the Lord to be of "great magnificence" (1 Chronicles 22:5). So before he died, he made sure his son Solomon had everything he needed to build the temple - an abundance of gold, silver, bronze, iron, timber, stone, and skilled craftsmen (1 Chronicles 22:14-15).

Whatever we do, our audience of One deserves our very best.

When we worship God, only our best is good enough.
Picture posted by Chris Hippe
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCqLVOOIjW3jEVS9o5dMlNIvy3BJUFEAGqTBV5bWsSwwrnsTGYkLlBlI9TU4HxxaRr5kh9zqj29oYqOfth0AeAL5FCo5Br_WfVJMSw9EJNRB5XmIgzluAgE9MbdJVwzeN5O8B4IMveLbbwEc7sWJVqwezyc_oN5dSxm2AS4uoBg8R-K6d8o23edgJiasA/s1920/CC-App-Malachi-Main.jpeg
https://citycentral.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/CC-App-Malachi-Main.jpeg
https://citycentral.org/teachings/malachi-giving-god-our-best
 
 
 
 

Chapter 88 - Reflection - Job's Birthday (Suffering), https://veryfatoldman.blogspot.com/2023/10/reflection-julie-ackerman-link-jobs.html [88]

 What I feared has come upon me; what I dreaded has happened to me. - Job 3:25
PHOTO: What I feared has come upon me; what I dreaded has happened to me. - Job 3:25
Read: Job 3

Death, divorce, and disease could be called the three Ds of misery. They slice through life like a tsunami of sorrow, raising doubts and destroying dreams.

Recently, a friend and I agreed that the previous year was one that we both would just as soon forget. Each of us had suffered one of the three.

Our conversation bought Job to mind. In a short period of time, he lost his children, his health, his wealth, and his wife's respect. Job's distress was so great that he pleaded: "May the day of my birth perish" (Job 3:3). Job wanted God to erase not just a year, but all memory of his existence! He had enjoyed years of success and respect. Now, he questioned the purpose of living (Job 3:20).

Job wanted to die and be forgotten, but instead, God made sure his name and story would be remembered forever. Rather than give Job what he asked for, God gave future generations what they would need - an inside look as the spiritual battle between God and Satan. The result is a God-inspired document about suffering that has comforted countless people.

When what we fear actually happens, we know, thanks to Job, that God can use it for good.

Our highest good may come from our deepest suffering.
Picture posted by Why did you make me laugh when I had to make you cry? on Saturday, 20 January 2018 at 10:24 pm
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https://www.facebook.com/surya.tasan/photos/pb.100067874826026.-2207520000/1670466626307656/?type=3
 

 What I feared has come upon me; what I dreaded has happened to me. - Job 3:25
PHOTO: What I feared has come upon me; what I dreaded has happened to me. - Job 3:25
Picture posted by Chrissie on 30 September 2023
 



Chapter 89 - Reflection - Reframing The Picture (Suffering),  

 Like an eagle that stirs up its nest and hovers over its young, that spreads its wings to catch them . . . The Lord alone led [Jacob]. - Deuteronomy 32:11-12
PHOTO: Like an eagle that stirs up its nest and hovers over its young, that spreads its wings to catch them . . . The Lord alone led [Jacob]. - Deuteronomy 32:11-12
Read: Deuteronomy 32:7-12

For 3 months I had a ringside seat - or should I say a bird's-eye view - of God's amazing handiwork. Thirty meters above the floor of Norfolk Botanical Garden, workers installed a webcam focused on the nest of a family of bald eagles, and online viewers were allowed to watch.

When the eggs hatched, Mama and Papa Eagle were attentive to their offspring, taking turns hunting food and guarding the nest. But one day, when the eagles still looked like fuzzballs with beaks both parents disappeared. I worried that harm had come to them.

My concern was unfounded. The webcam operator enlarged the camera angle, and there was Mama Eagle perched on a nearby branch.

As I pondered this "reframed" picture, I thought of times when I have feared that God had abandoned me. The view in the forest heights of Virginia reminded me that my vision is limited. I see only a small part of the entire scene.

Moses used eagle imagery to describe God. As eagles carry their young, God carries His people (Deuteronomy 32:11-12). Despite how it may seem, the Lord "is not far from any one of us" (Acts 17:27). This is true even when we feel abandoned.

Because the Lord is watching over us, we don't have to fear the dangers around us.
Picture posted by Etsy
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Chapter 90 - Reflection - The Last Few Pounds (Senior Years), 
 
 In the same way, those of you who do not give up everything you have cannot be my disciples. - Luke 14:33
PHOTO: In the same way, those of you who do not give up everything you have cannot be my disciples. - Luke 14:33
Read: Luke 14:25-35

Whatever weight-loss plan you choose, you're bound to lose pounds - at least for a while. But most dieters reach a plateau before they reach their goal, and many get discouraged when the thrill leaves before all the weight does. Many give up and go back to their old ways of eating.

Something similar happens in our Christian lives. When we begin our walk with Jesus, we easily shed many of the sins that have weighed us down. We give dramatic testimonies about being freed from addictive behaviors. Then the attention shifts to another new believer, and we discover that "little" sins like jealousy, resentment, and anger don't drop away as readily as the "big" ones. Some of us get so discouraged that we lose sight of our commitment to Christ and go back to some of our old ways of living.

When Jesus talked about the cost of being His disciple (Luke 14:25-35), He wanted those who heard Him to realize that believing in Him and following Him involves more than starting something that is exciting. It means sticking with something that is difficult.

So whether we're talking about weight loss or spiritual gain, the message is the same: What matters most is not how we start but how we finish.

Perseverance makes the difference between failure and success.
Picture posted by Robert Bateman
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https://www.artcountrycanada.com/images/bateman-giant-panda-in-the-wild-crop.jpg
https://www.artcountrycanada.com/batemang.htm
 

 So whether we're talking about weight loss or spiritual gain, the message is the same: What matters most is not how we start but how we finish.
PHOTO: So whether we're talking about weight loss or spiritual gain, the message is the same: What matters most is not how we start but how we finish.
Picture posted by iStock
https://veryfatoldman.blogspot.com/2023/10/reflection-julie-ackerman-link-last-few.html


Reflect and Pray
PHOTO: Reflect and Pray
Onward and upward your course plan today,
Seeking new heights as you walk Jesus' way,
Heed not past failures, but strive for the prize,
Aiming for goals fit for His holy eyes. - Brandt
Picture posted by Pinterest
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https://veryfatoldman.blogspot.com/2023/10/reflection-julie-ackerman-link-last-few.html
 
 

Note from Publisher
"Classic Gem: Timeless Devotions from Our Daily Bread Authors", Copyright © 2021 by Our Daily Bread Ministries. All rights reserved.

Request for permission to quote from this book should be directed to:

Permissions Department
Our Daily Bread Publishing
P. O. Box 3566
Grand Rapids, MI 49501, USA

Or contact us by email at permissionsdept@odb.org

Scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version, "NIV" Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc. Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.

Images used under licence from shutterstock.com

Design by Joshua Tan
 
Compiled by Asia Pacific Content Development Team

Printed in Singapore


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PHOTO: Over the years, many more writers have brought with them new perspectives and fresh insights to the devotional. Yet, the inimitable voices of Our Daily Bread's classic contributors remain close to our hearts. Revisit their enduring reflections with this special collection of 90 days of devotions by 10 faithful men and women who have helped to bring Our Daily Bread to life - and let the life-changing wisdom of the Bible give you a new lease of strength, joy, and hope in your walk with God.
Picture posted by Jana Kvaltinova, 500px.com on 08 June 2013 - Katka color
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Reflection - Classic Gem, Chapter 46 - 90 (Links)
Source (book): "Classic Gem: Timeless Devotions from Our Daily Bread Authors", Copyright © 2021 by Our Daily Bread Ministries.
 
 
"Classic Gem: Timeless Devotions from Our Daily Bread Authors", Copyright © 2021 by Our Daily Bread Ministries

Reflection - Classic Gem, Chapter 1 - 45 (Links), posted on 03 April 2023
Reflection - Classic Gem, Chapter 1 - 45 (Links), posted on 03 April 2023
https://veryfatoldman.blogspot.com/2023/04/reflection-classic-gem-chapter-1-45.html



"Faithful to the end", A Preacher's Exposition of 2 Timothy, @ 2014 by Robert M. Solomon

'Faithful to the end', A Preacher's Exposition of 2 Timothy, @ 2014 by Robert M. Solomon<br>
Reflection - Faithful to the end (Links)
https://veryfatoldman.blogspot.com/2017/06/reflection-faithful-to-end-links.html


"Finding rest for the soul" Responding to Jesus' Invitation in Matthew 11:28-29, © 2016 by Robert M. Solomon

Reflection - Finding rest for the soul (Links)
Reflection - Finding rest for the soul (Links)
https://veryfatoldman.blogspot.com/2018/10/reflection-finding-rest-for-soul-links.html


"God in Pursuit" Lessons from the Book of Jonah, © 2016 by Robert M. Solomon

'Reflection - God in Pursuit (Links) - PART I-III, posted on Saturday, 10 August 2019
Reflection - God in Pursuit (Links) - PART I-III, posted on Saturday, 10 August 2019
https://veryfatoldman.blogspot.com/2019/08/reflection-god-in-pursuit-links-part-i.html


"God in Pursuit" Lessons from the Book of Jonah, © 2016 by Robert M. Solomon

'Reflection - God in Pursuit (Links) - PART IV, posted on Saturday, 10 August 2019
Reflection - God in Pursuit (Links) - PART IV, posted on Saturday, 10 August 2019
https://veryfatoldman.blogspot.com/2019/08/reflection-god-in-pursuit-links-part-iv.html 


"Songs of Christmas", The Stories and Significance of 20 Well-Loved Carols, © 2018 by Robert M. Solomon

Reflection - Songs of Christmas (Links), posted on Friday, 24 April 2020
Reflection - Songs of Christmas (Links), posted on Friday, 24 April 2020
https://veryfatoldman.blogspot.com/2020/04/reflection-songs-of-christmas-links.html


"Growing Old Gracefully", Following Jesus to the End, © 2019 by Robert M. Solomon

Reflection - Growing Old Gracefully, Part I - III (Links), posted on Wednesday, 09 December 2020
Reflection - Growing Old Gracefully, Part I - III (Links), posted on Wednesday, 09 December 2020
https://veryfatoldman.blogspot.com/2020/12/reflection-growing-old-gracefully-part.html
 
 
"Growing Old Gracefully", Following Jesus to the End, © 2019 by Robert M. Solomon

Reflection - Growing Old Gracefully, Part IV - V (Links), posted on Thursday, 22 April 2021
Reflection - Growing Old Gracefully, Part IV - V (Links), posted on Thursday, 22 April 2021
https://veryfatoldman.blogspot.com/2020/12/reflection-growing-old-gracefully-part_9.html
 

"Teach Us to Number Our Days", © 2008 by David Roper

Reflection - Number Our Days, Chapter 1 - 40 (Links), posted on Tuesday, 16 November 2021
Reflection - Number Our Days, Chapter 1 - 40 (Links), posted on Tuesday, 16 November 2021
https://veryfatoldman.blogspot.com/2021/11/reflection-number-our-days-chapter-1-40.html
 

"Teach Us to Number Our Days", © 2008 by David Roper

Reflection - Number Our Days, Chapter 41 - 64 (Links), posted on Wednesday, 16 March 2022
Reflection - Number Our Days, Chapter 41 - 64 (Links), posted on Wednesday, 16 March 2022
https://veryfatoldman.blogspot.com/2022/03/reflection-number-our-days-chapter-41.html
 
 
"He Walks with Me - Devotions for Your Caregiving Journey with God",  © 2018 by Our Daily Bread Ministries, Shelly Beach

Reflection - He Walks with Me (Links), posted on Tuesday, 16 August 2022
Reflection - He Walks with Me (Links), posted on Tuesday, 16 August 2022
https://veryfatoldman.blogspot.com/2022/08/reflection-he-walks-with-me-links.html
 
 

Reference
[1] Henry Bosch, Reflection - The Cape of Good Hope (Salvation), posted on Thursday, 25 August 2022, https://veryfatoldman.blogspot.com/2022/08/reflection-henry-bosch-cape-of-good-hope.html
 
[2] Henry Bosch, Reflection - No Complaints (Sanctification), posted on Sunday, 28 August 2022, https://veryfatoldman.blogspot.com/2022/08/reflection-henry-bosch-no-complaints.html
 
[3] Henry Bosch,  Reflection - Give Him Your Burden (Sanctification), posted on Friday, 02 September 2022, https://veryfatoldman.blogspot.com/2022/09/reflection-henry-bosch-give-him-your.html
 
[4] Henry Bosch,  Reflection - Keep Pressing On (Sanctification), posted on Saturday, 03 September 2022, https://veryfatoldman.blogspot.com/2022/09/reflection-henry-bosch-keep-pressing-on.html
 
[5] Henry Bosch,  Reflection - Do What You Can (Serving), posted on Monday, 12 September 2022, https://veryfatoldman.blogspot.com/2022/09/reflection-henry-bosch-do-what-you-can.html

[6] Henry Bosch,  Reflection - Good Gossip (Serving), posted on Monday, 12 September 2022, https://veryfatoldman.blogspot.com/2022/09/reflection-henry-bosch-good-gossip.html
 
[7] Henry Bosch,  Reflection - Pressed Close To God (Suffering), posted on Thursday, 22 September 2022, https://veryfatoldman.blogspot.com/2022/09/reflection-henry-bosch-pressed-close-to.html
 
[8] Henry Bosch, Reflection - The Reward Of Trials (Suffering), posted on Saturday, 24 September 2022, https://veryfatoldman.blogspot.com/2022/09/reflection-henry-bosch-reward-of-trials.html

[9] Henry Bosch, Reflection - The Widow's Comfort (Senior Years), posted on , https://veryfatoldman.blogspot.com/2022/10/reflection-henry-bosch-reflection-henry.html

[10] M. R. DeHaan, Reflection - Redeemed! (Salvation), posted on Monday, 03 October 2022, https://veryfatoldman.blogspot.com/2022/10/reflection-m-r-dehaan-redeemed.html

[11] M. R. DeHaan, Reflection - Three Sisters (Salvation), posted on Wednesday, 12 October 2022, https://veryfatoldman.blogspot.com/2022/10/reflection-m-r-dehaan-three-sisters.html

[12] M. R. DeHaan, Reflection - The Need Of Pruning (Sanctification), posted on Thursday, 13 October 2022, https://veryfatoldman.blogspot.com/2022/10/reflection-m-r-dehaan-need-of-pruning.html

[13] M. R. DeHaan, Reflection - How Old Are You? (Sanctification), posted on Monday, 24 October 2022, https://veryfatoldman.blogspot.com/2022/10/reflection-m-r-dehaan-how-old-are-you.html

[14] M. R. DeHaan, Reflection - The Light Of The World (Serving), posted on Wednesday, 26 October 2022, https://veryfatoldman.blogspot.com/2022/10/reflection-m-r-dehaan-light-of-world.html

[15] M. R. DeHaan, Reflection - The Measure Of Love (Serving), posted on Wednesday, 02 November  2022, https://veryfatoldman.blogspot.com/2022/11/reflection-m-r-dehaan-measure-of-love.html

[16] M. R. DeHaan, Reflection - Why? Why? Oh, Why? (Suffering), posted on Friday, 04 November 2022, https://veryfatoldman.blogspot.com/2022/11/reflection-m-r-dehaan-why-why-oh-why.html

[17] M. R. DeHaan, Reflection - Like Him (Suffering), posted on Wednesday, 02 November  2022,

[18] M. R. DeHaan, Reflection - Older - Not Old (Senior Years), posted on Sunday, 13 November 2022,
 
[19] Herbert Vander Lugt, Reflection - Reason Enough (Salvation), posted on Tuesday, 22 November 2022, https://veryfatoldman.blogspot.com/2022/11/reflection-herbert-vander-lugt-reason.html

[20] Herbert Vander Lugt, Reflection - Mercy And Reward (Salvation), posted on Wednesday, 23 November 2022,

[21] Herbert Vander Lugt, Reflection - Halfway Measures (Sanctification), posted on Saturday, 03 December 2022,

[22] Herbert Vander Lugt, Reflection - A Bad Prayer That's Good (Sanctification), posted on Sunday, 04 December 2022, https://veryfatoldman.blogspot.com/2022/12/reflection-herbert-vander-lugt-bad.html

[23] Herbert Vander Lugt, Reflection - Unheralded Champions (Serving), posted on Monday, 12 December 2022, https://veryfatoldman.blogspot.com/2022/12/reflection-herbert-vander-lugt.html 
 
[24] Herbert Vander Lugt, Reflection - A Good Neighbor (Serving), posted on  Wednesday, 14 December 2022, https://veryfatoldman.blogspot.com/2022/12/reflection-herbert-vander-lugt-good.html

[25] Herbert Vander Lugt, Reflection - Looking For Comfort (Suffering), posted on Friday, 23 December 2022, https://veryfatoldman.blogspot.com/2022/12/reflection-herbert-vander-lugt-looking.html

[26] Herbert Vander Lugt, Reflectioin - The Why Question (Suffering), posted on Sunday, 25 December 2022, https://veryfatoldman.blogspot.com/2022/12/reflection-herbert-vander-lugt-why.html

[27] Herbert Vander Lugt, Reflection - Reflecting On Life's End (Senior Years), posted on Sunday, 01 January 2023, https://veryfatoldman.blogspot.com/2023/01/reflection-herbert-vander-lugt.html

[28] Paul Van Gorder, Reflection - Those Who Passed By (Salvation), posted on Tuesday, 03 January 2023, https://veryfatoldman.blogspot.com/2023/01/reflection-paul-van-gorder-those-who.html

[29] Paul Van Gorder, Reflection - A Lost Experience (Salvation), posted on Thursday, 12 January 2023, https://veryfatoldman.blogspot.com/2023/01/reflection-paul-van-gorder-lost.html

[30] Paul Van Gorder, Reflection - A God Of Absolutes (Sanctification), posted on Sunday, 15 January 2023,https://veryfatoldman.blogspot.com/2023/01/reflection-paul-van-gorder-god-of.html

[31] Paul Van Gorder, Reflection - The Power Of Praise (Sanctification), posted on Wednesday, 18 January 2023, https://veryfatoldman.blogspot.com/2023/01/reflection-paul-van-gorder-power-of.html

[32] Paul Van Gorder, Reflection - God Needs You! (Serving), posted on Friday, 20 January 2023, https://veryfatoldman.blogspot.com/2023/01/reflection-paul-van-gorder-god-needs-you.html

[33] Paul Van Gorder, Reflection - The Father's Faithfulness (Serving), posted on Thursday, 02 February 2023, https://veryfatoldman.blogspot.com/2023/02/reflection-paul-van-gorder-fathers.html

[34] Paul Van Gorder, Reflection - Always Awake (Suffering), posted on Saturday, 04 February 2023, https://veryfatoldman.blogspot.com/2023/02/reflection-paul-van-gorder-always-awake.html

[35] Paul Van Gorder, Reflection - Life is Real (Suffering), posted on Sunday, 12 February 2023, https://veryfatoldman.blogspot.com/2023/02/reflection-paul-van-gorder-life-is-real.html

[36] Paul Van Gorder, Reflection - Surrendered Crowns (Senior Years), posted on Monday, 13 February  2023, https://veryfatoldman.blogspot.com/2023/02/reflection-paul-van-gorder-surrendered.html

[37] Richard DeHaan, Reflection - Proof Positive (Salvation), posted on Wednesday, 22 February 2023, https://veryfatoldman.blogspot.com/2023/02/reflection-richard-dehaan-proof-positive.html

[38] Richard DeHaan, Reflection - Frozen Heads (Salvation), posted on Friday, 24 February 2023, https://veryfatoldman.blogspot.com/2023/02/reflection-richard-dehaan-frozen-heads.html

[39] Richard DeHaan, Reflection - Self-made? (Sanctification), posted on Thursday, 02 March 2023, https://veryfatoldman.blogspot.com/2023/03/reflection-richard-dehaan-self-made.html

[40] Richard DeHaan, Reflection - Are You Happy? (Sanctification), posted on Friday, 03 March 2023, https://veryfatoldman.blogspot.com/2023/03/reflection-richard-dehaan-are-you-happy.html

[41] Richard DeHaan, Reflection - Dead-Sea Christians (Serving), posted on Sunday, 12 March 2023, https://veryfatoldman.blogspot.com/2023/03/reflection-richard-dehaan-dead-sea.html

[42] Richard DeHaan, Reflection - One-To-One (Serving), posted on Monday, 13 March 2023, https://veryfatoldman.blogspot.com/2023/03/reflection-richard-dehaan-one-to-one.html

[43] Richard DeHaan, Reflection - Turning Evil Into Good (Suffering), posted on Wednesday, 22 March  2023, https://veryfatoldman.blogspot.com/2023/03/reflection-richard-dehaan-turning-evil.html

[44] Richard DeHaan, Reflection - How To Handle Fear (Suffering), posted on Thursday, 23 March 2023, https://veryfatoldman.blogspot.com/2023/03/reflection-richard-dehaan-how-to-handle.html

[45] Richard DeHaan, Reflection - What Does Your Life Say? (Senior Years), posted on Monday, 03 April 2023, https://veryfatoldman.blogspot.com/2023/04/reflection-richard-dehaan-what-does.html
 
[46] Dennis DeHaan, Reflection - "To The Unknown God" (Salvation), posted on Tuesday, 04 April 2023, https://veryfatoldman.blogspot.com/2023/04/reflection-dennis-dehaan-to-unknown-god.html

[47] Dennis DeHaan, Reflection - Playing God (Sanctification), posted on Wednesday, 12 April 2023, https://veryfatoldman.blogspot.com/2023/04/reflection-dennis-dehaan-playing-god.html

[48] Dennis DeHaan, Reflection - A Wise Way To Pray (Sanctification), posted on Thursday, 13 April 2023, https://veryfatoldman.blogspot.com/2023/04/reflection-dennis-dehaan-wise-way-to.html

[49] Dennis DeHaan, Reflection - Lucifer's Light (Sanctification), posted on Saturday, 22 April 2023, https://veryfatoldman.blogspot.com/2023/04/reflection-dennis-dehaan-lucifers-light.html

[50] Dennis DeHaan, Reflection - Cafeteria Christianity (Sanctification), posted on Sunday, 23 April 2023, https://veryfatoldman.blogspot.com/2023/04/reflection-dennis-dehaan-cafeteria.html

[51] Dennis DeHaan, Reflection - Love Speaks Loudest (Serving), posted on Monday, 01 May 2023, https://veryfatoldman.blogspot.com/2023/05/reflection-dennis-dehaan-love-speaks.html

[52] Dennis DeHaan, Reflection - Just A Job? (Serving), posted on Tuesday, 02 May 2023, https://veryfatoldman.blogspot.com/2023/05/reflection-dennis-dehaan-just-job.html

[53] Dennis DeHaan, Reflection - Reading And Remembering (Senior Years), posted on Friday, 12 May 2023, https://veryfatoldman.blogspot.com/2023/05/reflection-dennis-dehaan-reading-and.html

[54] Dennis DeHaan, Reflection - The Seasons Of Life (Senior Years), posted on Saturday, 13 May 2023, https://veryfatoldman.blogspot.com/2023/05/reflection-dennis-dehaan-seasons-of-life.html

[55] Haddon Robinson, Reflection - Whipping Boy (Salvation), posted on Sunday, 21 May 2023, https://veryfatoldman.blogspot.com/2023/05/reflection-haddon-robinson-whipping-boy.html

[56] Haddon Robinson, Reflection - How To Clean Anything (Salvation), posted on Tuesday, 23 May 2023, https://veryfatoldman.blogspot.com/2023/05/reflection-haddon-robinson-how-to-clean.html

[57] Haddon Robinson, Reflection - What's Worth Keeping (Sanctification), posted on Tuesday, 30 May 2023, https://veryfatoldman.blogspot.com/2023/05/reflection-haddon-robinson-whats-worth.html

[58] Haddon Robinson, Reflection - Virus (Sanctification), posted on Friday, 02 June 2023,

[59] Haddon Robinson, Reflection - Bricklayers and Violinists (Serving), posted on Saturday, 03 June 2023, https://veryfatoldman.blogspot.com/2023/06/reflection-haddon-robinson-bricklayers.html

[60] Haddon Robinson, Reflection - A Loud Fizzle (Serving), posted on Wednesday, 07 June 2023, https://veryfatoldman.blogspot.com/2023/06/reflection-haddon-robinson-loud-fizzle.html

[61] Haddon Robinson, Reflection - "God Makes No Mistake" (Suffering), posted on Thursday, 08 June 2023, https://veryfatoldman.blogspot.com/2023/06/reflection-haddon-robinson-god-makes-no.html

[62] Haddon Robinson, Reflection - A Little Perspective (Suffering), posted on Wednesday, 21 June 2023, https://veryfatoldman.blogspot.com/2023/06/reflection-haddon-robinson-little.html

[63] Haddon Robinson, Reflection - Walking With God (Senior Years), posted on Thursday, 22 June 2023, https://veryfatoldman.blogspot.com/2023/06/reflection-haddon-robinson-walking-with.html

[64] Vernon Grounds, Reflection - Your Last Day (Salvation), posted on Saturday, 01 July 2023, https://veryfatoldman.blogspot.com/2023/07/reflection-vernon-grounds-your-last-day.html

[65] Vernon Grounds, Reflection - The Search For God (Salvation), posted on Sunday, 02 July 2023, https://veryfatoldman.blogspot.com/2023/07/reflection-vernon-grounds-search-for-god.html

[66] Vernon Grounds, Reflection - When God Feels Pain (Sanctification), posted on Wednesday, 12 July 2023, https://veryfatoldman.blogspot.com/2023/07/reflection-vernon-grounds-when-god.html

[67] Vernon Grounds, Reflection - The Secret Of Strength (Sanctification), posted on Friday, 14 July 2023, https://veryfatoldman.blogspot.com/2023/07/reflection-vernon-grounds-secret-of.html

[68] Vernon Grounds, Reflection - Witnessing From A Wheelchair (Serving), posted on Friday, 21 July 2023, https://veryfatoldman.blogspot.com/2023/07/reflection-vernon-grounds-witnessing.html

[69] Vernon Grounds, Reflection - Encouragers (Serving), posted on Sunday, 23 July 2023, https://veryfatoldman.blogspot.com/2023/07/reflection-vernon-grounds-encouragers.html

[70] Vernon Grounds, Reflection - Undeserved Blessings (Suffering), posted on Saturday, 29 July 2023, https://veryfatoldman.blogspot.com/2023/07/reflection-vernon-grounds-undeserved.html

[71] Vernon Grounds, Reflection - Joy On The Journey (Suffering), posted on Monday, 31 July 2023, https://veryfatoldman.blogspot.com/2023/07/reflection-vernon-grounds-joy-on-journey.html

[72] Vernon Grounds, Reflection - Will You Live To Be 100? (Senior Years), posted on Wednesday, 09 August  2023, https://veryfatoldman.blogspot.com/2023/08/reflection-vernon-grounds-will-you-live.html

[73] Joanie Yoder, Reflection - Cut-Flower Christians (Sanctification), posted on Thursday, 10 August 2023, https://veryfatoldman.blogspot.com/2023/08/reflection-joanie-yoder-cut-flower.html

[74] Joanie Yoder, Reflection - Beware Of Quick Fixes (Sanctification), posted on Friday, 11 August 2023, https://veryfatoldman.blogspot.com/2023/08/reflection-joanie-yoder-beware-of-quick.html

[75] Joanie Yoder, Reflection - Our Full-Time Intercessor (Sanctification), posted on Saturday, 12 August 2023, https://veryfatoldman.blogspot.com/2023/08/reflection-joanie-yoder-our-full-time.html

[76] Joanie Yoder, Reflection - A Way Of Loving (Serving), posted on Tuesday, 22 August 2023, https://veryfatoldman.blogspot.com/2023/08/reflection-joanie-yoder-way-of-loving.html

[77] Joanie Yoder, Reflection - Life Words (Serving), posted on Friday, 25 August 2023, https://veryfatoldman.blogspot.com/2023/08/reflection-joanie-yoder-life-words.html

[78] Joanie Yoder, Reflection - His Good Purpose (Suffering), posted on Saturday, 26 August 2023, https://veryfatoldman.blogspot.com/2023/08/reflection-joanie-yoder-his-good-purpose.html

[79] Joanie Yoder, Reflection - The Acid Test (Suffering), posted on Friday, 01 September 2023, https://veryfatoldman.blogspot.com/2023/09/reflection-joanie-yoder-acid-test.html

[80] Joanie Yoder, Reflection - Foundational Praying (Senior Years), posted on Saturday, 02 September 2023, https://veryfatoldman.blogspot.com/2023/09/reflection-joanie-yoder-foundational.html

[81] Joanie Yoder, Reflection - How Will You Be Remembered? (Senior Years), posted on Tuesday, 12 September 2023, https://veryfatoldman.blogspot.com/2023/09/reflection-joanie-yoder-how-will-you-be.html

[82] Julie Ackerman Link, Reflection - Saving Ourselves (Salvation), posted on Thursday, 14 September 2023, https://veryfatoldman.blogspot.com/2023/09/reflection-julie-ackerman-link-saving.html

[83] Julie Ackerman Link, Reflection - Celebrate Freedom (Salvation), posted on Saturday, 23 September 2023, https://veryfatoldman.blogspot.com/2023/09/reflection-julie-ackerman-link.html

[84] Julie Ackerman Link, Reflection - Roots Or Shoots? (Sanctification), posted on Sunday, 24 September 2023, https://veryfatoldman.blogspot.com/2023/09/reflection-julie-ackerman-link-roots-or.html

[85] Julie Ackerman Link, Reflection - Keep The Fire Burning (Sanctification), posted on Monday, 02 October  2023, https://veryfatoldman.blogspot.com/2023/10/reflection-julie-ackerman-link-keep.html

[86] Julie Ackerman Link, Reflection - Fearing The Worst (Serving), posted on Wednesday, 04 October 2023, https://veryfatoldman.blogspot.com/2023/10/reflection-julie-ackerman-link-fearing.html

[87] Julie Ackerman Link, Reflection - Giving God Our Best (Serving), posted on Thursday, 12 October 2023, https://veryfatoldman.blogspot.com/2023/10/reflection-julie-ackerman-link-giving.html

[88] Julie Ackerman Link, Reflection - Job's Birthday (Suffering), posted on Saturday, 14 October 2023, https://veryfatoldman.blogspot.com/2023/10/reflection-julie-ackerman-link-jobs.html

[89] Julie Ackerman Link, Reflection - Reframing The Picture (Suffering), posted on Sunday, 22 October 2023, https://veryfatoldman.blogspot.com/2023/10/reflection-julie-ackerman-link.html

[90] Julie Ackerman Link, Reflection - The Last Few Pounds (Senior Years), posted on Tuesday, 24 October  2023, https://veryfatoldman.blogspot.com/2023/10/reflection-julie-ackerman-link-last-few.html


Links


New International Version (NIV), Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV® Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.

1 Chronicles 22 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1+Chronicles+22&version=NIV

1 Chronicles 22:5 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1+Chronicles+22%3A5&version=NIV

1 Chronicles 22:14-15 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1+Chronicles+22%3A14-15&version=NIV

1 Corinthians 11:15 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1+Corinthians+11%3A15&version=NIV

1 Corinthians 15:12-20 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1+Corinthians+15%3A12-20&version=NIV

1 John 1:5-10 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1+John+1%3A5-10&version=NIV

1 John 1:7 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1+John+1%3A7&version=NIV

1 Peter 1:3-21 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1+Peter+1%3A3-21&version=NIV

1 Peter 1:7 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1+Peter+1%3A7&version=NIV

1 Thessalonians 5:1-11 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1+Thessalonians+5%3A1-11&version=NIV

1 Thessalonians 5:6 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1+Thessalonians+5%3A6&version=NIV

1 Timothy 6:17 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1+Timothy+6%3A17&version=NIV

2 Corinthians 4:16-18 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=2+Corinthians+4%3A16-18&version=NIV

2 Corinthians 4:17 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=2+Corinthians+4%3A17&version=NIV

2 Corinthians 4:18 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=2+Corinthians+4%3A18&version=NIV

2 Corinthians 5:21 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=+2+Corinthians+5%3A21&version=NIV

2 Corinthians 5:12-21 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=+2+Corinthians+5%3A12-21&version=NIV

2 Corinthians 6:2 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=2+Corinthians+6%3A2&version=NIV


2 Corinthians 10:3-6 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=+2+Corinthians+10%3A3-6&version=NIV

2 Corinthians 10:5 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=+2+Corinthians+10%3A5&version=NIV

2 Corinthians 12:10 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=+2+Corinthians+12%3A10&version=NIV

2 Timothy 2:11 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=2+Timothy+2%3A11&version=NIV

2 Timothy 4:13 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=2+Timothy+4%3A13&version=NIV

2 Timothy 4:13-18 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=2+Timothy+4%3A13-18&version=NIV

2 Timothy 4:18 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=2+Timothy+4%3A18&version=NIV

Acts 14:17 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Acts+14%3A17&version=NIV

Acts 17:22-34 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Acts+17%3A22-34&version=NIV

Acts 17:23 (NKJV) - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Acts+17%3A23&version=NKJV

Acts 17:24 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Acts+17%3A24&version=NIV

Acts 17:27 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Acts+17%3A27&version=NIV

Acts 20:2; 27:35-36 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Acts+20%3A2%3B+27%3A35-36&version=NIV

Acts 27:21-36 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Acts+27%3A21-36&version=NIV

Colossians 3:3 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Colossians+3%3A3&version=NIV

Colossians 4:2-6 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Colossians+4%3A2-6&version=NIV

Colossians 4:6 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Colossians+4%3A6&version=NIV

Deuteronomy 32:7-12 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Deuteronomy+32%3A7-12&version=NIV

Deuteronomy 32:11-12 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Deuteronomy+32%3A11-12&version=NIV

Ecclesiastes 6:5-9 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Ecclesiastes+6%3A5-9&version=NIV

Ecclesiastes 9:10 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Ecclesiastes+9%3A10&version=NIV

Ephesians 1:3 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Ephesians+1%3A3&version=NIV

Ephesians 4:30-31 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Ephesians+4%3A30-31&version=NIV

Galatians 6:2 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Galatians+6%3A2&version=NIV

Galatians 6:2-10 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Galatians+6%3A2-10&version=NIV

Genesis 5:18-24 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Genesis+5%3A18-24&version=NIV

Genesis 5:24 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Genesis+5%3A24&version=NIV

Genesis 25:27-34 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Genesis+25%3A27-34&version=NIV

Habakkuk 3:17-19 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Habakkuk+3%3A17-19&version=NIV

Hebrews 4:14-5:3 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Hebrews+4%3A14-5%3A3&version=NIV

Hebrews 7:11-28 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Hebrews+7%3A11-28&version=NIV

Hebrews 7:25 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Hebrews+7%3A25&version=NIV

Hebrews 11:5 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Hebrews+11%3A5&version=NIV

Hebrews 11:6 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Hebrews+11%3A6&version=NIV

Hebrews 11:32-40 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Hebrews+11%3A32-40&version=NIV

Hebrews 12:16 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Hebrews+12%3A16&version=NIV

Hosea 11:8 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Hosea+11%3A8&version=NIV

James 4:14 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=James+4%3A14&version=NIV

James 4:13-17 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=James+4%3A13-17&version=NIV

Jeremiah 9:24 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Jeremiah+9%3A24&version=NIV

Job 16:1-6 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Job+16%3A1-6&version=NIV

Job 3 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Job+3&version=NIV

Job 3:3 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Job+3%3A3&version=NIV

Job 3:20 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Job+3%3A20&version=NIV

Job 3:25 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Job+3%3A25&version=NIV

Job 16:2 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Job+16%3A2&version=NIV

Job 23 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Job+23&version=NIV

Job 23:3 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Job+23%3A3&version=NIV

Job 31:35 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Job+31%3A35&version=NIV

John 3:16 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=John+3%3A16&version=NIV

John 14:15 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=John+14%3A15&version=NIV

John 15:1-8 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=John+15%3A1-8&version=NIV

John 15:4 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=John+15%3A4&version=NIV

John 15:5 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=John+15%3A5&version=NIV

John 20:11-18 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=John+20%3A11-18&version=NIV

Joshua 24:14-25 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Joshua+24%3A14-25&version=NIV

Joshua 24:15 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Joshua+24%3A15&version=NIV

Leviticus 6:9, 12-13 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Leviticus+6%3A9%2C+12-13&version=NIV

Luke 13:34 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Luke+13%3A34&version=NIV

Luke 14:25-35 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Luke+14%3A25-35&version=NIV

Luke 14:33 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Luke+14%3A33&version=NIV

Mark 8:34 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Mark+8%3A34&version=NIV

Mark 8:34-38 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Mark+8%3A34-38&version=NIV

Matthew 6:19-24 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew+6%3A19-24&version=NIV

Matthew 6:22 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew+6%3A22&version=NIV

Matthew 6:23 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew+6%3A23&version=NIV

Matthew 6:25-34 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew+6%3A25-34&version=NIV

Matthew 6:34 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew+6%3A34&version=NIV


Matthew 13:1-9 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew+13%3A1-9&version=NIV

Matthew 13:6 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew+13%3A6&version=NIV

Matthew 13:6, 20-21 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew+13%3A6%2C+20-21&version=NIV

Matthew 20:28 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew+20%3A28&version=NIV

Matthew 25:31-40 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew+25%3A31-40&version=NIV

Philippians 1:21 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Philippians+1%3A21&version=NIV

Philippians 2:1-11 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Philippians+2%3A1-11&version=NIV

Philippians 2:3-4 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Philippians+2%3A3-4&version=NIV

Philippians 2:7-8 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Philippians+2%3A7-8&version=NIV

Philippians 2:19 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Philippians+2%3A19&version=NIV

Philippians 4:8 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Philippians+4%3A8&version=NIV

Proverbs 18:21 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Proverbs+18%3A21&version=NIV

Proverbs 30:1-9 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Proverbs+30%3A1-9&version=NIV

Proverbs 30:8 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Proverbs+30%3A8&version=NIV

Proverbs 30:9 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Proverbs+30%3A9&version=NIV

Psalm 31:14-15 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Psalm+31%3A14-15&version=NIV

Psalm 71 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Psalm+71&version=NIV

Psalm 71:6,9 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Psalm+71%3A6%2C9&version=NIV

Psalm 90:1-12 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Psalm+90%3A1-12&version=NIV

Psalm 90:12 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Psalm+90%3A12&version=NIV

Psalm 106:1-15 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Psalm+106%3A1-15&version=NIV

Psalm 106:7 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Psalm+106%3A7&version=NIV

Psalm 106:13 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Psalm+106%3A13&version=NIV

Psalm 106:13-15 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Psalm+106%3A13-15&version=NIV

Psalm 119:81 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Psalm+119%3A81&version=NIV

Psalm 145:1-2 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Psalm+145%3A1-2&version=NIV

Psalm 145:9 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Psalm+145%3A9&version=NIV

Romans 1:11-12 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Romans+1%3A11-12&version=NIV

Romans 6:15-23 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Romans+6%3A15-23&version=NIV

Romans 6:22 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Romans+6%3A22&version=NIV

Romans 6:23 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Romans+6%3A23&version=NIV

Romans 12:9-21 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Romans+12%3A9-21&version=NIV

Romans 12:11 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Romans+12%3A11&version=NIV

Romans 12:11-16 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Romans+12%3A11-16&version=NIV

Romans 8:2 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Romans+8%3A2&version=NIV

Romans 8:11 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Romans+8%3A11&version=NIV

Romans 8:28 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Romans+8%3A28&version=NIV

Romans 8:28-39 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Romans+8%3A28-39&version=NIV

Romans 12:1-2, 11 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Romans+12%3A1-2%2C+11&version=NIV

Romans 12:1-8 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Romans+12%3A1-8&version=NIV

Romans 12:6 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Romans+12%3A6&version=NIV

Romans 12:14-21 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Romans+12%3A14-21&version=NIV

Romans 12:21 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Romans+12%3A21&version=NIV
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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