Tuesday

Tests and Trials

"When through fiery trials thy pathways shall lie, My grace, all sufficient, shall be thy supply;
The flame shall not hurt thee; I only design Thy dross to consume, and thy gold to refine."
 
( Hymn-How Firm a Foundation -3rd stanza)
What test and trial are you enduring? Could it be a difficult marriage? A child who is challenging?
 
A hopeless heart? A lost direction? A cranky boss? Devastating news?
Empty wallet? Lonely heart? Death of loved one!
Whatever trials of your life that you endure on earth, are considered less than a vapor (James 4:14)
when comparing it to the eternal glory that awaits those that call Jesus their Lord.
He is preparing us for that day in which we can see Him face to face.
The servant is not above the master (Matt 10:24), Christ the Lord Himself proved that victory
is an obtainable goal because He endured the daily sufferings of this world.
Certainly as He calls us His friends (John 15:12-14), He has equipped us to endure the same.
Remember Jesus said to be of good cheer, I have overcome the world (John 16:33).
And not only the daily endurance of the world, but He overcame the greatest suffering of all-death on the cross.
The greatest sacrifice and gift to all =Salvation
So as the above hymn states...our earthy flames of situations will not hurt us,
they will purge the dross and make us pure as gold ready to receive our Lord.
Our ultimate joy and satisfaction!
© Copyright 2009 Simone Lake. All Rights Reserved

Monday

Ointment for an Open Wound

Imagine having an open sore on your body. This wound, regardless of the size, would affect the whole body. If the wound was on your leg, it would determine your ability to walk or run effectively. If the wound was on your arm, it would dictate how far you could reach, at what degree you could bend your arm and how using your hand that is connected to that arm, might be hindered.

Other parts of the body that are not even near the open sore would naturally react to this injury of the body. The brain would constantly think about it because the nerve system would remind it. Other limbs and organs may increase its work load to compensate for the injured one. The cells, blood, veins, skin and other parts of the body would intensify with signs of stress, yet with signs of unifying together in the goal of bringing healing in one particular area of the body. The human body is amazing!

In addition to this amazing human body having the ability to heal itself, sometimes it also needs the help of humans, plants, medicine and vitamins to help aid in the healing process.
Throughout history, cultures and time frames, a variety of ointments have been created to help in healing open wounds. From extreme and serious wounds caused by the hideous injuries of the casualty of wars to simple cooking burns and children’s playtime mishaps, ointments have been the tried and true staple of healing for centuries.

Some of the numerous ingredients of ointments over time include everything from honey, wax and a variety of oils from vegetables and plants including olive, coconut, sesame, almond and peanut.

Using these items, formed in some type of paste, cream, lotion or gel brings complete healing and works wonders to the open wounds. Of course bandaging and reapply more ointment aids in quick healing and restoration.

Now that I shared about the healing process of wounds of the body, what do we do with the spiritual wounds? The aching in our hearts, grieving in our souls, heartache of a loss, emotions that run rapid at the simple thought of some type of intense pain in our lives. What about our shortcomings, errors, immorality and misdoings. How will some manmade coconut oil mixed with wax and honey salve going to heal those things? How will these open gapping sores ever be completely healed?
Isaiah, a prophet of the Old Testament, speaks of this open wound of the spirit saying “From the sole of the foot even to the head, there is nothing sound in it, only bruises, welts and raw wounds, not pressed out or bandaged, nor softened with oil”. Isaiah, in Chapter 1, talks about the spiritual wounds of the soul, which directly influences the heart and mind which directly results in the behavior of a person.

Isaiah also speaks of the Remedy in Chapter 42. "Behold, My Servant, whom I uphold; My chosen one in whom My soul delights. I have put My Spirit upon Him; He will bring forth justice to the nations.

The answer is the great and holy Ointment who is Christ. He will heal these wounds with the ointment that He made years ago when He excused our short comings and errors by dying on the cross in our place. One who was free from all shortcomings and errors
Seek and welcome His ointment that will bring healing for your soul for eternity!

Copyright 2011 Simone Lake. All Rights Reserved