Miranda's Place

Look Up

2023-11-25T11:08:00.006-05:00

So Elijah went and found Elisha son of Shaphat plowing a field. There were twelve teams of oxen in the field, and Elisha was plowing with the twelfth team. Elijah went over to him and threw his cloak across his shoulders and then walked away. (1 Kings 19:19)

Thanks to God's kind and gentle dealing, Elijah crawled out of the cave. "He departed from there." God graciously nurtured him through rest and refreshment, gave him some wise counsel, and made him feel significant again. Talk about compassion!

Then God allowed Elijah to pass his mantle to Elisha, his successor. But God did more than that, abundantly more. For Elisha "arose and followed Elijah and ministered to him." God not only gave Elijah a successor; He also raised up a close, personal friend—someone who loved Elijah and understood him well enough to help and encourage him.

God has not designed us to live like hermits in a cave. He has designed us to live in friendship, fellowship, and community with others. That's why the church, the body of Christ, is so very important, for it is there that we are drawn together in love and mutual encouragement. We're meant to be a part of one another's lives. Otherwise, we pull back, focusing on ourselves—thinking how hard we have it or how unfair others are.

Elijah reminds us to look up:

Let's look up after the Lord graciously delivers us from depression.
Let's look up when He allows us rest and refreshment following an exhausting schedule that has taken its toll on us.
Let's look up and thank Him when He gently and patiently speaks to us from His Word after we've climbed out of a pit of self-pity.
Let's look up and praise Him when He faithfully provides the companionship and affirmation of a friend who understands and encourages us.
Let's look up and acknowledge the Giver more than the gift.

Let's say, "Thank You, Lord, for telling us all about Elijah," who is an unforgettable example that there is nowhere to look but up.

Drawn Out of Death

2023-11-25T11:08:00.000-05:00

As fear of the Hebrews taking over Egypt gripped Pharaoh’s heart, he commanded that all Jewish baby boys be killed. Certainly that would stop their population from increasing (or so he thought). Moses’ mother tried hiding him for three months, but ultimately obeyed Pharaoh’s command and threw him in the Nile River, but not to drown. Instead, she placed him in a basket and hid him among the reeds. Miriam, the baby’s older sister, kept an eye on that basket.

Miraculously, the basket was discovered by Pharaoh’s daughter, who immediately fell in love with the Hebrew child. She sent her servant to retrieve the baby and then decided she was going to raise him and call him her son. Seeing an opportunity, his sister spoke up and offered to find a Jewish woman to nurse the child. When the princess said “yes” to her offer, Miriam told her mom, and Moses spent the first few years of his life being raised by his own mother and an Egyptian princess. Interestingly, Pharaoh’s daughter named the child Moses, which means “to be drawn out of death into life.”

Friend, you too have been drawn out of death and into life! The moment you received Jesus Christ as your Savior, Satan’s attempt to destroy you was nailed to the cross and redeemed. Yes, you will face trying circumstances and dark moments, but the God of angel armies is working on your behalf to orchestrate an outcome that is beyond comprehension. No matter what, stand firm and know that the Lord is on your side. He is taking care of you and working all things together for your good! Bobby Schuler

The Fire

2022-06-14T19:28:00.009-04:00

The fire came around me, it burned on every side

My faith was weak and tired, the battle cry had died

But in the midst of burning, I looked and I could see

The great Kinsman Redeemer smiling back at me

He said, I am in the fire, I hold your hand, you see

The flames will not come nigh for I’ve protected thee

And when you feel you cannot face another day of heat

Run into my open arms and you will find sweet peace

The fire must come into every home and life

It’s here you are perfected, see gold must be tested and tried

For I know when I look closely, My reflection I will see

For every child must be tried before he reigns with Me

Remember, I am in the fire, I hold your hand, you see

The flames will not come nigh for I’ve protected thee

And when you feel you cannot face another day of heat

Run into My open arms and you will find sweet peace

By MSR

Calling Prayer Warriors

2022-06-14T19:22:00.009-04:00

I saw a sign in a window

That spoke deeply to my soul

It reached out and grabbed my attention

Like never held before

It said, “I’m in need of a Prayer Warrior

My Friend is in great need.

I need someone to ring those bells

Down on bended knee.”

Calling all the Prayer Warriors

Those who don’t accept defeat

The battle-scarred, the weary ones

Who believe in bended knee

Calling all the Prayer Warriors

The war is at our door

Time to go to battle

Like so many times before

Restoration

2022-06-13T11:43:00.006-04:00

Have you ever looked at an old piece of furniture and noticed the scratches and scars and rough edges? Have you noticed the original patina and sheen is long gone from the furniture?

But then someone picks up the furniture and in that moment they can see the original beauty and they begin to imagine how they will restore it back to its original beauty.

So, they make an offer on the furniture and everyone says “why would you buy that old piece of furniture? It’s so ugly! There’s nothing beautiful about it!”

But the restorer sees it as it can be, not as it is.

So, he purchases the supplies and very gently begins to peel away all of the old layers of grime and dust and dirt.

He sands away the rough edges and removes all of the stains and old finish from long ago.

And once it is ready, he begins to lovingly apply the new stain to that old piece of furniture. He lovingly polishes it to a fine shine.

And no one can believe it’s the same piece of furniture. How could that be the same piece of furniture? That old thing?

But now, everyone says, “oh I want it! I’ll take it!” But it only goes to those who loved it as it was.

That is what I’m doing with you. That is what I’m doing with you. Restoration!

Hydrangeas in Bloom

2021-07-05T20:03:00.008-04:00

All Praise and Adoration

2021-07-05T16:53:00.004-04:00

All praise and adoration

We give to you our King

Who is, who was, who's always been

Who will never, ever change

My savior and provider

My conqueror and friend

All powerful, you're everywhere

You are the Great I Am

Author: M S Robinson

Prayer Binder

2021-07-05T14:44:00.003-04:00

http://www.jacquelinereape.com/prayer-binder-set-up/

Check out Jacqueline Reape's site for how to build a Prayer Journal.

Stay Strong

2021-07-05T14:37:00.005-04:00

I'm Going to Make It!

2021-07-05T14:35:00.004-04:00

Crochet Fruity Stripes Blanket from Daisy Farm Crafts

2021-07-05T14:33:00.005-04:00

Daisy Farm Crafts is an excellent site to find great crochet patterns.

Stitches

Single Crochet (SC): Insert your hook, yarn over (YO), pull up a loop, YO, pull through two loops on hook.

Berry Stitch: YO, insert your hook, YO and pull up a loop, YO, pull through one loop, YO, insert your hook into same space, YO and pull up a loop, YO, pull through all five loops on hook.

Double Crochet (DC): YO, insert your hook, YO, pull up a loop, YO, pull through two loops, YO, pull through remaining two loops on your hook.

Front and Back Post Double Crochet (FPDC & BPDC): A front post double crochet means you insert your hook from front to back around the post of the next DC and work a DC. A back post double crochet means you insert your hook from back to front around the post of the next DC and work a DC.

Pattern

Chain 110 with Soft Peach. (To make your blanket larger, you can chain any even number.)

ROW 1: Starting in the 2nd chain from the hook, work a SC. *Berry stitch into the next stitch, then SC into the next stitch. Repeat from * to the end of the row. Chain 1 and turn.

ROW 2: Work a SC into each stitch across the row. Chain 1 and turn.

ROW 3: *SC into the first stitch, then Berry stitch into the next stitch. Repeat from * to the end of the row. Chain 1 and turn.

ROWS 4 – 5: Repeat rows 2 through 3.

ROWS 6 – 7: Repeat rows 2 through 3.

ROW 8: Repeat row 2. On the last stitch of the row, pull through with White just before you finish the SC, when you have two loops on your hook. Chain 1 and turn. Cut the Peach yarn and leave a long tail you can weave into the blanket later. (You can also wrap the tail around the back of your work when you turn and crochet over it to save time.)

ROW 9: Repeat row 3.

ROWS 10 – 11: Repeat rows 2 through 3.

ROWS 12 – 13: Repeat rows 2 through 3.

ROWS 14 – 15: Repeat rows 2 through 3.

ROW 16: Repeat row 2. On the last stitch of the row, pull through with Peach. Chain 1 and turn.

Repeat rows 1 through 16 for the remainder of the blanket. I ended my blanket when I had 8 Peach stripes and 7 White Stripes. End the blanket with a berry stitch row so that it matches the other end.

Just a few tips for working this blanket…remember that there should always be a row of SC in between each berry row so that the berry stitches all pop out on the same side. You are working 8 rows of each color, always alternating a berry row with a SC row. There should also always be a SC in between each berry stitch – you may want to check your work as you go to make sure that your berry stitches are always lined up.

Border

Weave in all ends with a tapestry needle.

ROUND 1: Pull up a loop in any corner and chain 3. (Or chain 3 when you finish your last berry row with Peach.) Work one round of DC around the blanket, working one DC per row on the sides. Work 3 DCs into each corner.

ROUND 2: When you reach the corner you started with, work 3 DCs into the corner, then go around the blanket again in the same direction, this time alternating front and back post double crochet (FPDC & BPDC). When you get to the corners of this row, you will want to continue the pattern of alternating FPDC and BPDC, but you will work three stitches around the corner post.

So, for example, if you get to the corner post and you are supposed to work a FPDC, then work a FPDC, a BPDC, and a FPDC all around that corner post. Then in the next stitch you would continue the alternating pattern, working the opposite of whichever stitch you just used. Just remember that you are always alternating FPDC and BPDC around the whole blanket, you just happen to be working three of those stitches around the same post when you are working the corners.

ROUND 3: When you finish round 2, work 3 alternating FPDC/BPDC into the corner you started with and repeat round 2 around the blanket. Always match your post double crochets so that they are poking out in the same direction as the previous row.

ROUND 4: Repeat round 3. When you are finished with your border, slip stitch into the starting stitch and tie off.

If you’d like to add finishing touches to your blanket, lay it out flat on a towel or foam blocking boards if you have them. Use a spray bottle with water to dampen the blanket. Press the blanket into straight lines, massaging the stitches and adjusting your tension. Pin with straight pins and let it dry.

Thanks so much for coming to our website and best of luck with your project! When you finish, please come share a picture with us on Facebook or Instagram using #daisyfarmcrafts, we’d love to see!

Summertime Fruit Salad

2021-07-05T14:30:00.003-04:00

Ingredients

1 pound strawberries, hulled and thinly sliced
3 medium peaches, thinly sliced (I peeled mine, but if you don’t mind the skin, you can leave it on)
6 ounces (1 cup) blueberries
1 heaping tablespoon fresh, chopped basil or mint
2 tablespoons lemon juice (about 1 medium lemon)
1 tablespoon maple syrup or honey
2 teaspoons balsamic vinegar

Instructions

In a medium serving bowl, combine the strawberries, peaches, blueberries and basil. Drizzle the lemon juice, maple syrup and balsamic vinegar on top. Gently toss to combine.
Serve immediately, or chill for later. This salad is best enjoyed promptly, but will keep well for about 2 days in the refrigerator (pour off excess juices if necessary).

Bigger Than Any Mountain

2021-07-05T14:27:00.002-04:00

Written by: G. Jenson

Bigger than all my problem bigger than all my fears
God is bigger than any mountain that I can or can not see
Bigger than all my question bigger than anything
God is bigger than any mountain that I can or can not see

He's bigger than all the shadows that falls across my path
God is bigger than any mountain that I can or cannot see
Bigger than my confusion bigger than anything
God is bigger than any mountain that I can or cannot see

Bigger than all my problems bigger than all my fears
God is bigger than any mountain that I can or cannot see
Bigger than all my questions bigger than anything
God is bigger than any mountain that I can or cannot see

He's bigger than all the giants of fear and unbelief
God is bigger than any mountain that I can or cannot see
Bigger than all my hang ups bigger than anything
God is bigger than any mountain that I can or cannot see

Bigger than all my problem bigger than all my fears
God is bigger than any mountain that I can or cannot see
Bigger than all my questions bigger than anything
God is bigger than any mountain that I can or cannot see

Through The Fire

2021-07-05T14:20:00.004-04:00

So many times I've questioned certain circumstances
Or things I could not understand
Many times in trials, weakness blurs my vision
And my frustration gets so out of hand
Its then I am reminded I've never been forsaken
I've never had to stand the test alone
As I look at all the victories
The spirit rises up in me
And its through the fire my weakness is made strong

Chorus:

He never promised that the cross would not get heavy
And the hill would not be hard to climb
He never offered our victories without fighting
But He said help would always come in time
Just remember when your standing in the valley of decision
And the adversary says give in
Just hold on, our Lord will show up
And He will take you through the fire again

I know within myself that I would surely perish
But if I trust the hand of God, He'll shield the flames again, again
He never promised that the cross would not get heavy
And the hill would not be hard to climb
He never offered our victories without fighting
But He said help would always come in time
Just remember when your standing in the valley of decision
And the adversary says give in
Just hold on, our Lord will show up
And He will take you through the fire again

Through the Storms

2021-07-04T21:08:00.002-04:00

I did not know His love before, the way I know it now.

I could not see my need for Him, my pride would not allow.

I had it all, without a care, the "Self-sufficient" lie.

My path was smooth, my sea was still, not a cloud was in my sky.

I thought I knew His love for me, I thought I'd seen His grace,

I thought I did not need to grow, I thought I'd found my place.

But then the way grew rough and dark, the storm clouds quickly rolled;

The waves began to rock my ship, my anchor would not hold.

The ship that I had built myself was made of foolish pride.

It fell apart and left me bare, with nowhere else to hide.

I had no strength or faith to face the trials that lay ahead,

And so I simply prayed to Him and bowed my weary head.

His loving arms enveloped me, and then He helped me stand.

He said, "You still must face this storm, but I will hold your hand.

"So through the dark and lonely night He guided me through pain.

I could not see the light of day or when the storm might wane.

Yet through the aches and endless tears, my faith began to grow.

I could not see it at the time, but my light began to glow.

I saw God's love in brand new light, His grace and mercy, too.

For only when all self was gone could Jesus' love shine through.

It was not easy in the storm, I sometimes wondered, "Why?"

At times I thought, "I can't go on." I'd hurt, and doubt, and cry.

But Jesus never left my side, He guided me each day.

Through pain and strife, through fire and flood,

He helped me all the way.

And now I see as never before how great His love can be.

How in my weakness He is strong, how Jesus cares for me!

He worked it all out for my good, although the way was rough.

He only sent what I could bear, and then He cried, "Enough!"

He raised His hand and said, "Be still!"

He made the storm clouds cease.

He opened up the gates of joy and flooded me with peace.

I saw His face now clearer still, I felt His presence strong,

I found anew His faithfulness, He never did me wrong.

Now I know more storms will come, but only for my good,

For pain and tears have helped me grow as naught else ever could.

I still have so much more to learn as Jesus works in me;

If in the storm I'll love Him more, that's where I want to be

Cake with Imitation Whipped Frosting Filling

2021-07-04T17:50:00.008-04:00

Ingredients:

1 box yellow cake mix

5 tablespoon all-purpose flour

1 cup milk

1 cup sugar

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/2 cup shortening

1/2 cup butter, softened

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Powdered sugar and mint, for garnish

Directions:

Mix and bake the cake as directed, using a 9 by 13-inch pan. Cool and turn out from pan.

Using dental floss, slice cake in 2 lengthwise, so you have 2 layers. In saucepan, combine the flour and milk. Cook and stir until thick. Set aside to cool. In bowl combine sugar, salt, shortening, softened butter and vanilla. Beat with electric mixer until fluffy, then add the cooled milk mixture and beat until fluffy. Put half the cake in a 9 by 13-inch plastic keeper. Spread all of filling over that, then top with the other half of the cake. Cover with lid and store 1 or 2 days ahead. Garnish with powdered sugar and mint before serving.

This Valley is For Me

2021-07-04T17:36:00.007-04:00

by Ricky Atkinson

As I look down this mountain side
I can see where this road goes
The shepherd is leading me
To a place where I can grow
Tho' it seems to be a trying test
I have no doubt he knows what's best
It just might be a place of perfect rest

Chorus
This valley is for me

This valley is for me
The waters have been made so sweet
A pleasant rest for my weary feet
This valley is for me
A far cry from the mountain scene
The grass here has been made so green
My shepherd chose this route
So i can say without a doubt
This valley is for me

Standing here beside still water
I know why I am here today
This place of restoration
Will strengthen me along the way
Thru the valley i can feel
His presence here is so real
And now i know it was his perfect will

In Everything Give Thanks

2021-07-04T17:24:00.007-04:00

The night shift had finally ended. It was one of the worst nights I could remember in 10 years. No matter what I had done, it didn't seem as if I had accomplished anything of value. The hospital was unusually full, and the patients especially needy. Eight hours weren't enough time to get all my tasks completed, so I'd stayed an extra hour to finish. I drove home crying in frustration, nerve fibers stretched to maximum exhaustion.

Too tired to walk into the house, I sat on the front porch well past the hour of dawn's coolness and rocked in the wicker chair, oblivious to the weight-bearing heat on my skin. Devoid of energy, there was nothing left for me to do but to allow the sun's rays to warm me, wishing I was one of those people who didn't get so emotionally involved with my patients. I gripped the rounded curves of the oversized arms and pushed myself back and forth, chanting, "Why, why?" with the creaking rhythm. My heart had been torn to shreds by a gentle giant whose illness I couldn't stop, whose pain I couldn't halt. Cancer had been invading his body cell by cell and all the years of training and experience and all the magical pills and potions couldn't stop it.

Isaiah was dying. Nature was taking its course, and man had no power to reverse it. A look of wide-eyed surprise and stiffening of his body were the only clues that he was suffering. He'd clutch his stomach and call out, "Lord, take it away. Please, Lord, take it away."

The prescribed medication wasn't touching the racking pain rolling in waves through his system. Helplessly I gripped his hand and prayed aloud with him until the bout of agony had ended. The night crept along, second by second, as Isaiah waited for the next attack to render him helpless, knowing that death, ever vigilant, lurked in the shadows. When I turned him to his side to make him more comfortable, swaddled with pillows, he squeezed my fingers and repeated, "Oh, God is so good. God is so good. Thank you, miss. Thank you."

When he had an episode of heavy bleeding from his wounds, he was bathed, dressings were changed, and his linens were replaced, but still he didn't complain. When asked what could be done for him, he replied, "I just want to sit and talk to my Master. I need to talk to my Master right now."

He lay back, eyes closed, and murmured prayers of worship. During brief interludes of respite we held hands, patient and nurse, the words spilling over from my heart. My tears fell on my lap as I leaned over Isaiah to fix yet another bleeding wound, reminded of someone else who had suffered over 2,000 years ago.

Had the women of Jerusalem felt this same anguish? Had they railed about their own impotence as did I? I was the silent witness to Isaiah's Calvary. Nursing care could temporarily beat back the discomfort, but he alone would walk the final walk with God. To be in communion with his Creator in preparation for their meeting was a sacred rite that couldn't be trespassed upon by mere mortals.

Before I left him to the care of the day shift, I tiptoed into his room and kissed both his cheeks. Words were unnecessary, but I wanted to open my heart. "You are one of the bravest people I know, Isaiah. You have every right to whine to God about your situation, but, you pray for Him to be with you and to hold you in His arms while you suffer. You have opened a window for me and through it I have seen a glimpse of what it must have been like for Jesus. You are my hero."

A tear rolled down his face and he gripped my hands. "I am looking forward to seeing you in heaven," he whispered. Nodding my head, I left his side. Safe on my porch, I asked for forgiveness for all the times I had complained about insignificant problems in my life, for my doubting and questioning. Then, I prayed for grace to walk my walk with the same dignity and faith as did Isaiah.Rising from the chair, I felt the peace that comes when one has witnessed the work of God, and I gave praise. By Irene Budzynski

Little David

2021-07-04T17:16:00.001-04:00

CHORUS:

"The battle's not mine," said Little David,
"Lord, it's Thine, I'm in Your favor.
I'm giving it all to You, I knew not what to do.
I'm so glad You let me see, You're really all that I need.
For the battle's not mine, I give it to You, Lord, it's Thine."

1. Little David looked so small, Goliath looked so tall,
The odds were just too high for Little David.
So he shook off all of his load for with the power of God he was bold,
He said, "The battle's not mine, I give it to You, Lord, it's Thine."

CHORUS:

2. A Little David he stood tall, now Goliath seemed so small,
Sweet victory had reigned for Little David.
He gave the battle to One with a record for getting things done,
He said, "The battle's not mine, I give it to You, Lord, it's Thine."

Christ Arose

2021-07-04T15:51:00.008-04:00

Low in the grave He lay
Jesus my Savior!
Waiting the coming day
Jesus my Lord!

Up from the grave He arose
With a mighty triumph o'er His foes
He arose a Victor from the dark domain
And He lives forever with His saints to reign
He arose! (He arose)
He arose! (He arose)
Hallelujah! Christ arose!

Vainly they watch His bed
Jesus, my Savior!
Vainly they seal the dead
Jesus my Lord!

Death cannot keep his prey
Jesus, my Savior!
He tore the bars away
Jesus my Lord!

I've Learned

2021-07-04T15:47:00.006-04:00

I’ve learned- that you cannot make someone love you.

All you can do is be someone who can be loved. The rest is up to them.

I’ve learned- that no matter how much I care,some people just don’t care back.

I’ve learned- that it takes years to build up trust,and only seconds to destroy it.

I’ve learned- that it’s not what you have in your life but who you have in your life that counts.

I’ve learned- that you can get by on charm for about fifteen minutes. After that, you’d better know something.

I’ve learned- that you shouldn’t compare yourself to the best others can do.

I’ve learned- that you can do something in an instant that will give you heartache for life.

I’ve learned- that it’s taking me a long time to become the person I want to be.

I’ve learned- that you should always leave loved ones with loving words. It may be the last time you see them.

I’ve learned- that you can keep going long after you think you can’t.

I’ve learned- that we are responsible for what we do, no matter how we feel.

I’ve learned- that you should never tell a child their dreams are unlikely or outlandish.Few things are more humiliating,and what a tragedy it would be if they believed it.

I’ve learned- that it’s hard to determine where to draw the line between being nice and not hurting people’s feelings and standing up for what you believe.

I’ve Learned- that everyone you meet deserves to be greeted with a smile.

I’ve Learned- that opportunities are never lost. Someone else will take the ones you miss.

I’ve Learned- that when you plan to get even with someone, you are only letting that person continue to hurt you.

I’ve Learned- that under everyone’s hard shell is someone who wants to be appreciated and loved.

I’ve Learned- that it’s those small daily happenings that make life so spectacular.

I’ve Learned- that money doesn’t buy class.

I’ve Learned- that sometimes all a person needs is a hand to hold and a heart to understand.

I’ve Learned- that being kind is more important than being right.

I’ve Learned- that the less time I have to work with,the more I get done.

I’ve Learned- It is best to give advice in only two circumstances;when it is requested and when it is a life threatening situation.

I’ve Learned- that when you harbor bitterness,happiness will dock elsewhere.

I’ve Learned- that just one person saying, “You’ve made my day!” makes my day.

Promise Yourself

2021-07-04T14:35:00.005-04:00

To be so strong that nothing
can disturb your peace of mind.
To talk health, happiness, and prosperity
to every person you meet.

To make all your friends feel
that there is something in them
To look at the sunny side of everything
and make your optimism come true.

To think only the best, to work only for the best,
and to expect only the best.
To be just as enthusiastic about the success of others
as you are about your own.

To forget the mistakes of the past
and press on to the greater achievements of the future.
To wear a cheerful countenance at all times
and give every living creature you meet a smile.

To give so much time to the improvement of yourself
that you have no time to criticize others.
To be too large for worry, too noble for anger, too strong for fear,
and too happy to permit the presence of trouble.

To think well of yourself and to proclaim this fact to the world,
not in loud words but great deeds.
To live in faith that the whole world is on your side
so long as you are true to the best that is in you.”
― Christian D. Larson, Your Forces and How to Use Them

Cut Down to Size

2021-07-04T14:27:00.010-04:00

by Charles R. Swindoll (Read 1 Kings 17:2--6)

"I am going to cut you down to size!"

If I heard that once during the ten weeks I spent in a U.S. Marine Corps boot camp more than forty-five years ago, I must have heard it a dozen times. As I recall, those words formed the theme of the opening speech, delivered with passion, by a man I quickly learned to obey. Those words still play back to me in my mind, and the shrill tone of my drill instructor's voice remains a vivid memory. He meant every word he said, and he kept his promise.

There we stood, an unorganized, ragtag bunch of seventy or so young men of every conceivable size and background, thrown together in a strange place, having no idea (thankfully) what was ahead of us. During the months that followed, every shred of self-sufficient arrogance, every hint of independent spirit, and all thought of rebellion was scraped away. Any indifference toward authority was replaced by a firm commitment to do only as we were told, regardless.

We learned to survive in the crucible of intense, extreme training that has characterized the Marine Corps throughout its proud and proven history. The disciplined regimen of boot camp---day after day, week after week---brought about remarkable changes in each one of us.

As a result, we left that place completely different than we were when we arrived. The isolation of our location, the absence of all creature comforts, the relentless, monotonous drills and demanding repetition of inspections, the tests that forced us to encounter the unknown without showing fear (all mixed with the maddening determination and constant harassment of our drill instructor), yielded powerful dividends.

Almost without realizing it, while learning to submit ourselves to the commands of our leader, we ultimately found ourselves physically fit, emotionally stirred, and mentally ready for whatever conflict might come our way, even the harsh reality of facing the enemy in combat.

That kind of raw recruit training is precisely what the Lord had in mind when He sent His servant Elijah from the court of King Ahab to the brook Cherith.

Little did the prophet know that his being hidden away at Cherith would prove to be his boot camp experience. There, he would be trained to trust his Leader so that he might ultimately do battle with a treacherous enemy.

Excerpted from Charles R. Swindoll, Great Days with the Great Lives (Nashville: W Publishing Group, 2005). Copyright © 2005 by Charles R. Swindoll, Inc. All rights reserved.

Thoughts

2021-07-04T14:25:00.009-04:00

Thoughts are the thermostat that regulates what we accomplish in life. If I feed my mind upon doubt, unbelief, and discouragement, that is precisely the kind of day my body will experience. If I adjust my thermostat forward to thoughts filled with vision, vitality, and victory, i can count on that kind of day.

Thus, you and I become what we think about.

Neither Dale Carnegie nor Norman Vincent Peale originated such a message. God did. "For as [a man] thinks within himself, so he is" (Prov. 23:7). "Therefore, prepare your minds for action" (1 Peter 1:13).

The mind is a "thought factory" producing thousands, perhaps hundred of thousands, of thoughts each day. Production in your thought factory is under the charge of two foreman. One we shall call Mr. Triumph, the other Mr. Defeat.

Mr. Triumph specializes in producing reasons why you can face life victoriously, why you can handle what comes your way, why you're more than able to conquer. mr. Defeat is an expert in the opposite. He develops reasons why you cannot succeed, why you're inadequate, why you should give up and give in to worry, failure, discouragement, and inferiority.

Give a positive signal, and Mr. Triumph will see to it that one encouraging, edifying thought after another floods your mind. But Mr. Defeat is always standing by, awaiting a negative signal (which he would rather you call "reality" or "common sense!"), and when he gets it, he cranks out discouraging, destructive, demoralizing thoughts that will soon have you convinced you can't or won't or shouldn't.

Let God Be Magnified

2019-09-01T13:27:00.003-04:00