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Abigail's Newsletter |
May 5, 1999 |
| There have been many suffering in the past few
weeks. The news has been filled with the tragedies of war-filled countries, shootings at
high schools and tornadoes destroying whole communities in our country. But we have hope.
God has given us the hope of eternal life; He preserves our life with His promises.
Through the law God has taught the principles of godly living. And now by His grace we are
given the power of the resurrection of Christ to live a righteous life. We stumble and oft
times fall. But through God's provision, we can rise again, and start over, following His
ways, with His word, and His light to lead us. |
Some of the recent losses have been tragic, and
well publicized. But many of our sufferings are private, and small. Just because they are
small does not make them insignificant, and even the greatest suffering can be comforted
through the hope of Christ. Live your daily life with hope. For even the daily trials of
relationships, work, ministry, family, home and marriage can be overwhelming without the
promises of God. And in times of tribulation and catastrophe, only God can bring you
through. Lean on God, and His understanding. Look to
Him for your hope that will last forever. |
"Remember your word to your servant, for
you have given me hope.
My comfort in my suffering is this; Your promise preserves my life.
The arrogant mock me without restraint, but I do not turn from your law.
I remember your ancient laws, O Lord, and I find comfort in them.
Indignation grips me because of the wicked, who have forsaken your law.
Your decrees are the theme of my song wherever I lodge.
In the night I remember your name, O Lord, and I will keep your law.
This has been my practice: I obey your precepts."
Psalm 119:49-56 (NIV) |
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May 13, 1999 |
| Are you a friend to all who fear the Lord (v.
63)? Are you a friend to your husband, when he needs a friend the most? Sometimes it is
difficult to thank my husband for the things he does, especially when he is not friendly
or thankful in return. The day to day living seems to make it more difficult to be
friendly, than with friends I do not see often. If I start the day seeking God, and
His face, (v. 58) then I have started my day out right. I find the grace to extend to
others, if I have reminded myself of the marvelous grace which God has extended to me. |
In these times, when we hear of all the evil in
the world, in our town, our country, and around the globe, it may be difficult to find the
love of God (v. 64). But love starts in my heart with God, and I share it in my home, with
husband and children. By giving thanks, learning God's ways, and obeying His laws, I show
love for God, and my family. Spread the love of God by following his ways, and look at
your daily routine (v. 59) and how it follows God's statues. God will bless you, your
husband, your marriage and your family, through your obedience in love. God will be
gracious unto you. |
"57You are my portion, O Lord;
I have promised to obey your words.
58I have sought your face with all my heart; be gracious to me according to
your promise.
59I have considered my ways and have turned my steps to your statutes.
60I will hasten and not delay to obey your commands.
61Though the wicked bind me with ropes, I will not forget your law.
62At midnight I rise to give you thanks for your righteous laws.
63I am a friend to all who fear you, to all who follow your precepts.
64The earth is filled with your love, O Lord; teach me your decrees."
Psalm 119:57-64 |
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May 24, 1999 |
| When bad things happen to people, there are
many different responses that people make. Do you thank God for your affliction? Do you
thank Him for not answering your prayer in the way you wanted? That is a very difficult response for us to make. We want things to
go our way. We want to be in control. We are born selfish, but we can only learn the
goodness of God's laws through our afflictions (v. 71). We should be thankful, even for
the 'bad' things which happen to us, for they allow us to come closer to God, and gain
understanding of His righteousness. It is through sometimes painful times, that we find
the best of God. |
If you have not had to trust the Lord, and wait
for His timing, you may never fully realize how faithful He is. If you have not seen how
helpless you are to control your situation, and the people around you, you may never
understand God is in control, and can bring about good from every situation. Trust God in every situation. In your marriage, lean on God to bind
you together. Give your selfishness to God, and let Him replace it with love. And that
love will not only draw you closer to God, but help you love your husband in a deeper and
more fulfilling way.
Put God first, and your marriage and family second. God will
work good in your in your marriage and family. |
"65Do good to your servant
according to your word, O Lord.
66Teach me knowledge and good judgment, for I believe in your commands.
67Before I was afflicted I went astray, but now I obey your word.
68You are good, and what you do is good; teach me your decrees.
69Though the arrogant have smeared me with lies, I keep your precepts with all
my heart.
70Their hearts are callous and unfeeling, but I delight in your law.
71It was good for me to be afflicted so that I might learn your decrees.
72The law from your mouth is more precious to me than thousands of pieces of
silver and gold." Psalm 119:65-72 |
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