Wednesday, August 14, 2024

Of Flower-Power and End Results

Now may the Lord direct your hearts 
into the love of God 
and into the patience of Christ.

Sometimes, whether intentionally or not,
 in misfortune, some bring salt to rub in the shoulda-wish-I-woulda-wound.
Others, like my sweet sister, bring hugs and flowers.
Thank-you, Lucy💗
(to you, my gentle readers; never underestimate the power
of a hug and flowers)


Little do we know what circumstance awaits 
to test the readiness of love's reply
But this we do; Emmanuel (God with us) does not fail
 to help the fumbling likes of you and I 
Above an altar fixed beneath our hands and feet, 
God's mercy, new each morning fills the earth and skies 
The sacrifice we bring to Him (or not) 
will prove without a word of explanation,
 what we dearly prize/ where our treasure lies

Last week's 'tests' drew me to scriptures of encouragement to be faithful no matter what!,
This morning (because I am forgetful)  I returned to reread a few posts 
to re-remind me of God's promises!



Life, ultimately, is a series of tests, isn't it?!

The true test, in all we dream and seek 
is whether its getting is for the pleasing and benefit of Self
or to bring honour and glory to God, the giver of each life!

Lord, purify my goals, delights and desires today
And waken a more fervent longing to trust You and obey
Lord, forge within my stubborn bent a meeker heart, I pray
 For Thou, Lord, art the Potter, oh, and I, Lord, am the clay


If in the end, it draws a soul to Thee
Lord, let me not despise Thy chastening
But echo these words ‘be it unto me’
Where the day of Thy grace is hastening

If in the end it bears eternal fruit
For Thy Kingdom, power and glory, Lord
And stays me from this world’s deadly pursuit
And saves me from a death none can afford

Then, without regret, worry or complaint
Forbid I cling to what cannot defend
But walk worthy of the call of the saint
If it draws a soul to Thee, in the end

So that Thy love would abound more and more
Confound the beast that does not boast of Thee
And reprimand the pride that you abhor
If in the end it yields humility

© Janet Martin

Glorious reminders in my morning reading today!













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I hope you enjoyed your pause on this porch and thank-you for your visit!