The Secret of the Lord- Oswald Chambers

I don't know if any of you have read Oswald Chambers, but I really like him. I just found my copy of My Utmost For His Highest, and thought I would start sharing an Entry for each month, out of the ones that I read. Here is June's Entry!
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The Secret of the Lord!
By Oswald Chambers
June 1

The secret of the Lord is with those who fear Him!"Psalm 25:14

What is the sign of a Friend? Is it that he tells you his secret sorrows? No, it is that he tells you his secret joys. Many people will confide their secret sorrows to you, but the final mark of intimacy is when they share their secret joys with you. Have we ever let God tell us any of His joys?Or are we continually telling God our secrets, leaving Him no time to talk to us?At the beginning of our christian life we are full of requests to God. But then we find that God wants to get us into an intimate relationship with Himself- to get us in touch with His purposes. Are we so intimately united in Jesus Christ's idea of Prayer-" Your will be done"(Mat. 6:10)- that we catch the secrets of God? What makes God so dear to us is not so much HisBig blessings to us, but the tiny things, because they show HIs amazing intimacy with us- He knows every detail of each of our lives.

" Him shall He teach in the way He chooses"(Psalm25:12). At first, we want the awareness of being guided by God. But then as we grow spiritually, we live so fully aware of God that we do not even need to ask what His will is, because the thought of choosing another way will not occur to us. If we are saved and sanctified, God guides us by our everyday choices. And if we are about to choose what He does not want, He will give us a sense of doubt or restraint, which we must heed. Whenever there is doubt, stop at once. Never try to reason it out, saying, " I wonder why I shouldn't do this?" God instructs us in what we choose;that is He actually guides our common sense. And when we yield to His teachings and guidance, we no longer hinder His Spirit by continually asking, " Now, Lord, what is Your will?"
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That is the entry of Oswald Chambers I have selected for the Month of June. I hope it will be a blessing to you, as much as it has been to me!
Perennial Pioneer

Bumpy Road!

Well, we certainly have bumpy roads we follow. Some are good, and some are not so good. God never said that the way would be smooth and easy. He just said it would be straight and narrow. Being a christian is bumpy, and hilly, and requires all the strength we can muster. But it is worth it, for we get a reward at the end of the race.

If the road were smooth, we would think, " Ah, this is a good road, I will stay on it. The other way looks too hard. I cannot go that way." I like the illustrations in Pilgrims Progress, about the Narrow way, and Broad way. The Hill Diffeculty, the Valley of the Shadow, and the Slough of Despond. And of course the Vanity Fair. This is the discription of the world, and what it's millions of devices are, that decieve us. We must look to the cross, and put our feet on the sure path of the Narrow way, and Jesus. And yes, those Giant Despairs, will crop up, and you, like David, in the bible, must conquer the giant.

So, I thank God for the bumpy roads, even though we are christians. I am thankful that He has made the road diffecult, so that we can look to him, always, and say, " Lord I cannot do without you!" That is where He wants us to be! Therefore let us be thankful!

This is what was laid on my heart, today, as I reflected on the Lord. Broad is the gate and crooked is the way that leadeth to distruction, and many there be that fall therein. But narrow is the gate, and straight is the way, that leadeth to life, and few there be that find it. I am one of those few. How about You?
Perennial Pioneer

He is omnipresent!

In the beginning of the scriptures, where the Spirit of God moved upon the face of the waters, Jesus was there. When God was creating the night and day, he was there. When the water, and the dry land, the sun, moon, and stars were created, he was there. And then the God said, " Let US make man in OUR image, according to our likeness!" Who was he talking too, and about? Him and Jesus, the Son. And of course, Adam!

He was there, when they were thrown out of the garden, and he was sad. He was there when Cain killed Abel. He was the one whom drove Cain into the wilderness! He was there, with Noah, and his family, when the first drops of rain, the strange thing for them, for they had never seen rain before, came down. He was there, for Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, and when Joseph was taken into captivity, he was with him. Then when Esther went to live in the palace with the king, He was there too, and softened the King's heart toward her, and she saved her people. Then He was with Shadrach, Meshach and Abednigo,when they were cast into the fiery furnace, and the king turned his heart toward God. He was with David, when he slung that stone, toward Goliath.

He is here now, in our hearts. Jesus Christ, the same yesterday, today, and forever. He will never leave us, or forsake us!

He was there, when we did something that would have vexed Him, and when we were there, wanting to have arms to cuddle with. I can feel His arms about me now as I am sitting here, typing to you! And because He is here, we have no need to fear! He will always be with us, not to abandon us to anything or anyone. If you are in the darkest dungeon, or the highest tower, you cannot be far from Jesus, and God. They are both there! Or whether your Mom or Dad is having a hard time, or perhaps your parents are devorced, and you have a rotten family life, He is still here. He will be your family, for you!

He always has been, and he always will be. He had not predicessor, and he will have no successor. There will be nobody before him, and there will be nobody after him. You cannot impeach him, and HE IS NOT GOING TO RESIGN! That is my King! Hallelujah!

And when you see the cross in your church, or on the side of the road, remember that He is there with you, in your car, bed, home, watching what you watch, listening to what you are listening to, and living with you. So be careful what you do!

This is what was on my heart today. I know it might sound a little disconnected, but I had to get this out. I will refine it later!

In Christ Alone!

Perennial Pioneer

The Aroma of Contentment!

While I was walking today, I had an aroma wafting toward my nostrils, sending that of contentment and peace. I looked around, to wonder what was that glorious smell. And I came to find it was Pine and Wild Rugosa Roses. The sun, heating up the roses, and pine, make an intoxicating aroma. And it helps me recall visions of what Heaven would be like.

It brought to mind, when God hears us complaining over our lot in life, our whining over something better, our aroma STINKS! I don't have the house I want, we don't have the income we want, we want a bigger and better car, all this sounds lik complaining to him, and He is saddened! He gave us the things we have, because He wishes to bless us. We are his children, and He loves us! As bad as you are, you know how to give good things to your children, how much more so, will the Heavenly father, give the holy spirit, to them that ask!

But when we reflect on the blessings that He has given to us, to be guardians of, and stewards, we must put on the robe of contentment, and thankfulness. Then the smell that wafts to heaven will be the Aroma of Contentment. This is the aroma of Christ, our Savoir. And when that aroma reaches the throne, He smiles!

Then, the extraordinary happens! We get blessed with more! It is a wonderful feeling, when you have been a good steward, and content in whatever state you are in! And having food shelter and clothing, therewith be ye content! Those are the words of God! Hallelujah, Amen!

So, we must conclude, that to be true followers of Christ, we must put on His aroma. And his aroma, is joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, selfcontrol, against such, there is no law. And here is another verse, 2Pe 1:5-7 And beside this, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue; and to virtue knowledge; And to knowledge temperance; and to temperance patience; and to patience godliness; And to godliness brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness charity. This is the aroma of Christ!
I must close, being content in whatever state I am in!
In Christ Alone!
Perennial Pioneer

Desperate or Content?

For several years, I had been having the desire, to marry, settle down, and raise a family. I had been so much so, that I would be desperate. Then one by one, my younger sisters, would get married and move out. Here I was, the eldest, and still living at home with my parents, while they went off to start their own families.
God spoke to me last night, through my Dad, saying that instead of being content with the life I have now, I am so desperate, to get married and raise a family, that it has not yet come to pass. The Lord doesn't want you come to the point of desperation, that you forget, that He is waiting to give it to you, if you seek first His kingdom and His righteousness. The first priority is to seek first the Kingdom of God, and his righteousness, and all these things shall be added unto you.
I was being so desperate, that I was looking at every single, single guy that I met, asking myself, " This could be the one. And I would be on my best behavior, just to impress them." I was told, that, to be yourself, and let the glory of God shine through you, is far more attractive, then trying to impress them with your intellect, and recent achievements. Being myself, means, talking alot, and being so nervous, that you would have to have someone else do the talking for you. My parents knew what an social butterfly I am, but when it comes to meeting new people, especially guys, I am very shy. I know there needs to be a balance between shy, and over outgoing. Being polite, and answering the questions they ask you. Trying not to flirt with them, and not to get their attention. It is really heard, especially when you really like the guy.:)
I know this sounds really funny, but this is what I have been struggling with, since, oh, since I was 16 years of age. And here I am, nearly 26 years old! Ten years of struggling, and I just needed to know, that as soon as I am content what state I am in, He will be willing to bless me with more. :) He gives good things to His children! Hallelujah!
It is simple, you say? Well, it is the hardest thing for me to do, putting my full faith and trust in the Lord. But I know, that if I don't, showers of blessings will be limited, according to my faith!
So, I make a choice today, whether to be desperate, or content? I choose...... being content! Hallelujah! I must learn in whatever state I am in, therein to be content! Amen!
That is what the Lord laid on my heart!
Perennial Pioneer

Whatever ye ask, ye will receive....

if you ask in faith.
We are asking the Lord, to provide us with an Expedition, to fit our fast growing family. The bible says, if ye ask in faith, nothing doubting. and Ask and it will be given unto you. If we have faith as big as a mustard see. And He knows how to give gifts to his children.
Our lives are all about faith. We live this life on the faith, that the Lord will give us another breath to breath, a nice warm house to cover our heads, and comfortable clothes that we can wear. If we didn't have faith, we would think that luck was with us, and that we had good fortune. But there is always something deeper. Faith in something, or someone!
My hope is built on nothing less, then Jesus blood and righteousness, I dare not trust the sweetest frain, but wholly lean on Jesus Name. On Christ the Solid rock I stand, all other ground is sinking sand, all other ground is sinking sand.
My faith has found a resting place, not in device or creed. I trust the everliving one, His words for me doth plead. I need no other arguement, I need no other plea, it is enough that Jesus died, and that He died for me.
So, on these things, we are asking in faith, that the Lord will provide us with a Ford Expedition, for our family, so that we can all travel places together.

Modest Clothes- My Armour

Modest Clothes - My Armour Used by permission of the author! May, 2007

By Anna S.

This is a personal testimony. I am looking back at myself, only a couple of years ago; certainly, there is a lot to tell, but today I would like to focus on the role modesty played in my life. I was born to a single mother. My father never appeared or even called, let alone helped financially, so Mother had to work extra hours in order to give me a decent living.

So I never missed anything – anything but the really important things, like attention and guidance, which would help me choose the right path in life. Modesty wasn't popular in the school I attended. There were no uniforms, and, although there was some kind of a dress code, it was never strictly followed, and as I came, I could see tight jeans, mini-skirts, and tiny tops. I could see flesh, flesh, flesh. And these were the girls who were more popular and got more attention. What was the lesson I learned? Well, isn't it obvious? A girl has to show all she has in order to become popular and get attention.

At that moment, I didn't think much of the true nature of the attention girls like these receive, and it didn't occur to me that by putting emphasis on their bodies, they actually said – "There is nothing more in me than this. I am my body". It wasn't all about clothes, either; it was about conduct. Speaking loudly, flirting, cursing, walking provocatively – it was all very common. I did the same. I wore tight clothes, showed off my legs, shoulders, and midriff. I flirted, I was provocative – and I received attention and looks as I walked down the streets.

Needless to say, I owned very few skirts those days, and those I had were far above the knee.The way you dress reflects the way you think. Dressing in a certain manner will almost undoubtedly have an impact on your life.

It breaks my heart to say this, but when I was still very young, I got involved in a meaningless, promiscuous relationship that was based solely on physical attraction and lust. No surprises here – if a young girl doesn't bring out her mind and soul, but shows off her flesh, she will only get the men who want her body. They will swarm around her, like flies around a jar of honey, and none of them will be interested in what she thinks or has to say. I am not going to elaborate right now about the promiscuity I was involved in. Unsurprisingly, it ended in heartbreak. So, what happened next?Suddenly, almost instinctively, I wrapped myself in long, loose and dark clothes – shabby, shapeless skirts and jumpers. They were mostly old and ill-fitting, but I didn't want to wear anything else. It was like trying to protect myself from anything that might hurt me again by covering every inch of my body. No one looked at me at the street anymore.

My heart was bruised and bleeding for many months. It was a time of intense, painful personal growth and change. And among many other things, I realized something very important - the feeling of protection I experienced upon covering everything that used to be revealed wasn't an illusion. Covering my body protected me from those who wanted only my body. I sent a different message to the world now. Of course, at that point I was dressed modestly, but very unattractively. The next step, after initial healing and understanding what had happened to me, was acquiring a flattering, cheerful, feminine, and modest wardrobe.

From that moment on, I intended to dress in a way that was attractive – not attracting. I wanted to dress in a manner that would say, "I respect my body and my physical attractiveness, but the most important thing about me is my soul, and it's not something I am going to reveal to just anyone." Today, I experience a wonderful sense of being on the right track. I received an outstanding blessing, a feeling someone took me by the hand and led me from darkness to light.

Modesty in both conduct and manner of dressing, as I found out, sends a message of respect to everyone around me – and as a logical outcome, I get respect in return.If there is one thing I would like to say to other young ladies, it is this: you are lovely young women. You are more, much more than your bodies. Respect yourself and others. Showing off your bodies will only get you the wrong type of attention from the wrong men. A lovely, long, flowing skirt and a pretty, modest blouse will not only bring out your beauty – they will protect you from being used and abused.