Help of the helpless

Sorry for the lack of posts for awhile lately...I have had a post I've been working on, but haven't been able to get it completed as of yet. 

In the meanwhile, I found this old draft that I never had posted. It is a mixture of notes I had taken down from various sources, whether from reading or listening to sermons, as well as a mixture of my own thoughts here and there...The quotes and Scripture verses have been a blessing to me, so I hope and pray it might be for others as well, whatever your especial need might be. 

"For he shall deliver the needy when he crieth; the poor also, and him that hath no helper." 

-Psalms 72:12

"God helps those who help themselves?" Oh, no. God helps the helpless. The poor, and "him that hath no helper"." I'm so thankful that God helps the helpless, aren't you? I have His sure promise, for I am one so in need of help at all times.  

Do you need help? God's Word says that He is "our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble." (Psalm 46:1). 

It's a good place to be to feel your helplessness. The dangerous place is when we don't see our need of help. 

 "So then because thou art lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will spue thee out of my mouth. Because thou sayest, I am rich, and increased with goods, and have need of nothing; and knowest not that thou art wretched, and miserable, and poor, and blind, and naked:" 

-Revelation 3:16-17

 "But he giveth more grace. Wherefore he saith, God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace unto the humble."-James 4:6

"And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me." -2 Corinthians 12:9

PROMISE:  "For the needy shall not alway be forgotten: the expectation of the poor shall not perish for ever." -Psalms 9:18

PRAYER:  "But I am poor and needy: make haste unto me, O God: thou art my help and my deliverer; O LORD, make no tarrying."

-Psalms 70:5

"When other helpers fail and comforts flee,
Help of the helpless, oh, abide with me."

May the Lord by His grace show us more and more our great need of Him, and cause us to find rest and peace in Him, Who promises to help all those needy ones who cry unto Him and trust in Him. He has promised to supply all the needs of His children...He is faithful, as He always has been.  I need these reminders so often, to take my eyes off of what might be happening around me, and back on His sure Word. The Lord is so merciful!

"But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus."

-Philippians 4:19

  "Glory ye in his holy name: let the heart of them rejoice that seek the LORD." -Psalms 105:3

 "Ye that fear the LORD, praise Him;..." -Psalms 22:23a

He is Able

Our Lord God is... Able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think.

Able to make all grace abound toward you; that ye, always having all sufficiency in all things, may abound to every good work.

Able to succor them that are tempted.

Able … to save them to the uttermost that come unto God by him, seeing he ever liveth to make intercession for them.

Able to keep you from falling, and to present you faultless before the presence of his glory with exceeding joy.

Able to keep that which I have committed unto him against that day.

Who shall change our vile body, that it may be fashioned like unto his glorious body, according to the working whereby he is able even to subdue all things unto himself.

Believe ye that I am able to do this? … Yea, Lord. … According to your faith be it unto you.

May the Lord graciously cause us to always be looking to Him...Who alone is able to provide for, sustain, and keep each one His children. 

Praying these verses and this hymn will be a blessing to you all as they have been to me. 

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"Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee. Trust ye in the LORD for ever: for in the LORD JEHOVAH is everlasting strength:"

-Isaiah 26:3-4

Creation Close-Ups: The Ladybug

My sister-in-law reminded me recently about this post I had made years ago, and suggested that I should re-post it again....so here it is. :) 

Friday, August 15, 2014

I'm always happy to find pretty little ladybugs like this one around 

our yard, or better yet, out in the garden, as this one was. :) 

"O LORD, how manifold are Thy works! in wisdom hast Thou made them all: 

the earth is full of Thy riches." ~Psalm 124:24 

 Some interesting facts:

Ladybugs are the official state insect of Delaware, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Ohio and Tennessee.

They can live up to three years.

A ladybug beats its wings 85 times per second when it flies.

Over 300 types of Ladybugs live in North America.

Over 300 types of Ladybugs live in North America.

Ladybugs hibernate in large groups in cold weather. 

What are the life cycle stages of the ladybug?

 Egg, Larva, Pupa, and Adult. The first three stages vary from 7-21 days each depending on the weather, and food supplies. The adult stage lasts between 3-9 months depending on weather, length of hibernation, food supplies and, of course, predators.

Egg, Larva, Pupa, and Adult. The first three stages vary from 7-21 days each depending on the weather, and food supplies. The adult stage lasts between 3-9 months depending on weather, length of hibernation, food supplies and, of course, predators. - See more at:  

A. Ladybugs feed on aphids and other soft bodied insects that feed on plants. The ladybug feeds on these pests as the adult ladybug and as the larva. One ladybug can eat as many as 50 aphids a day. - See more at: http://www.ladybuglady.com/LadybugsFAQ.htm#sthash.oZwHgGhY.dpuf

A. Ladybugs feed on aphids and other soft bodied insects that feed on plants. The ladybug feeds on these pests as the adult ladybug and as the larva. One ladybug can eat as many as 50 aphids a day. - See more at: http://www.ladybuglady.com/LadybugsFAQ.htm#sthash.oZwHgGhY.dpuf

Why are ladybugs considered a "beneficial" insect?

 Ladybugs feed on aphids and other soft bodied insects that feed on plants. The ladybug feeds on these pests as the adult ladybug and as the larva. One ladybug can eat as many as 50 aphids a day.

Wait for Him

I cannot remember how I came across this hymn (and perhaps others of you already are familiar with it?)- but it has been such 

a blessing to me in times of discouragement when even though I had confidence from God's Word what I was asking is His will, a long time had still passed without receiving the answer. I thought it would be good to share it here with others. I wrote it down on a paper in my Bible, to read often. Though some prayers I still have not seen answered that I am confident are His will, still I must often be reminded to "wait for Him, wait for Him", and plead His sure promises...for it's easy for me to become discouraged when I am not remembering daily His promises, and claiming them by His grace. I pray this hymn is as much of a blessing to you as it is to me! 

If you are interested in hearing the melody, it can be downloaded on this page HERE.

WAIT FOR HIM, WAIT FOR HIM 

Do thy prayers to God seem unavailing?

Wait for Him, wait for Him;

Are thine eyes from looking upward, failing?

Wait for Him, wait for Him;

If you plead his promise sure,

And your faith in Him endure,

You the answer shall secure;

Wait for Him, wait for Him.

 "Has the Lord forgotten?" art thou saying?

Wait for Him, wait for Him;

Tho' He tarry long, still keep on praying,

Wait for Him, wait for Him;

Patience gains by waiting long;

Faith, by waiting, groweth strong;

In the night Hope learns her song--

Wait for Him, wait for Him.

His delaying does not mean denying--

Wait for Him, wait for Him;

He doth mark thy bitter tears, thy sighing--

Wait for Him, wait for Him;

There's a reason all unguessed

Why thy heart is yet unblessed;

Oh, believe He knoweth best--

Wait for Him, wait for Him.

 God is true and faithful! doubt it never!

Wait for Him, wait for Him;

He will keep His covenant forever--

Wait for Him, wait for Him;

Heav'n and earth shall pass away,

But His word abides for aye;

God will answer thee some day--

Wait for Him, wait for Him.

I would love to hear of any Scripture verses, hymns, and/or quotes that have been an encouragement to you if you have the time to leave a comment - it would be a blessing to me. :) Each comment from my readers that I recieve always is! I would like to thank you all for the encouraging comments you leave. 

Two Precious Promises

The young lions do lack, and suffer hunger: but they that seek the LORD shall not want any good thing. -Psalm 34:10

 But if from thence thou shalt seek the LORD thy God, thou shalt find him, if thou seek him with all thy heart and with all thy soul. - Deuteronomy 4:29

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  Glory ye in his holy name: let the heart of them rejoice that seek the LORD. 

  Seek the LORD, and his strength: seek his face evermore. - Psalm 105:3-4

 Whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises: that by these ye might be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust. -2 Peter 1:4

Encouragements to Prayer

Dear brethren, if we shut our ears to what Jesus tells us, we shall never have power in prayer, nor shall we enjoy intimate communion with the Well-beloved. -C.H. Spurgeon

 

If ye abide in me, and my words abide in you, 

ye shall ask what ye will, and it shall be done unto you.

John 15:7

 Hitherto have ye asked nothing in my name: ask, and ye shall receive, that your joy may be full.

John 16:24

Watch ye and pray, lest ye enter into temptation.

 The spirit truly is ready, but the flesh is weak.

Mark 14:38

If I regard iniquity in my heart, the Lord will not hear me.

Psalm 66:18

  For the eyes of the Lord are over the righteous, and his ears are open unto their prayers: but the face of the Lord is against them that do evil.

1 Peter 3:12

  The sacrifice of the wicked is an abomination to the LORD: but the 

prayer of the upright is his delight. 

Proverbs 15:8

  And he spake a parable unto them to this end, that men ought always to pray, and not to faint; Saying, There was in a city a judge, which feared not God, neither regarded man: And there was a widow in that city; and she came unto him, saying, Avenge me of mine adversary. And he would not for a while: but afterward he said within himself, Though I fear not God, nor regard man;

   Yet because this widow troubleth me, I will avenge her, lest by her continual coming she weary me.  And the Lord said, Hear what the unjust judge saith.

   And shall not God avenge his own elect, which cry day and night unto him, though he bear long with them?

 I tell you that he will avenge them speedily. Nevertheless when the Son of man cometh, shall he find faith on the earth?

Luke 18:1-8

What a wonderful, precious thing it is that our Lord has given us in being able to draw near to the throne of grace through our Saviour, Jesus Christ. Let us not slight it, or come into it with unprepared hearts...but let us thank Him and search our hearts and ask Him to teach us to pray! 

  Hebrews 10:19   Having therefore, brethren, boldness to enter into the holiest by the blood of Jesus,

  Hebrews 10:20   By a new and living way, which he hath consecrated for us, through the veil, that is to say, his flesh;

  Hebrews 10:21   And having an high priest over the house of God;

  Hebrews 10:22   Let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience, and our bodies washed with pure water. 

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   I would seek unto God, and unto God would I commit my cause: Which doeth great things and unsearchable; marvellous things without number...
Job 5:8-9

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And in closing, a precious promise....

  Psalms 102:17   He will regard the prayer of the destitute, and not despise their prayer.

The Love of Christ

 He that hath my commandments, and keepeth them, he it is that loveth Me: and he that loveth Me shall be loved of my Father, and I will love him, and will manifest myself to him. -John 14:21

O the wonder of wonders, 

That God should love me! 

Love a sinner so guilty, 

So vile and unclean. 

To love the unlovely, 

How can it be done? 

'Tis only in Jesus, 

Through His precious Son. 

-Mark Webb

 2 Corinthians 5:14   For the love of Christ constraineth us; because we thus judge, that if one died for all, then were all dead: 

  2 Corinthians 5:15   And that he died for all, that they which live should not henceforth live unto themselves, but unto him which died for them, and rose again.
-2 Corinthians 5:14-15

We are constrained to holiness by the love of Christ; the love of Him Who loved us, is the only cord by which we are bound to the service of God. The scourge of our affections is the only scourge that drives us to duty. Sweet bands, and gentle scourges! Who would not be under their power? ...  If you are visited with seasons of coldness and indifference--if you begin to be weary or lag behind in the service of God, behold! here is the remedy: Look again to the bleeding Saviour. ... As long as the believing eye is fixed upon [Him], the path of the believer is easy and unimpeded. But lift off the believing eye, and the path becomes impracticable---the life of holiness a weariness. Whosoever, then, would live a life of persevering holiness, let him keep his eye fixed on the Saviour.  -R.M. McCheyne

I've Found a Friend, O Such a Friend! 

by James G. Small

I’ve found a Friend, O such a Friend!

He loved me ere I knew Him;

He drew me with the cords of love,

And thus He bound me to Him;

And round my heart still closely twine

Those ties which naught can sever,

For I am His, and He is mine,

Forever and forever.

I’ve found a Friend, O such a Friend!

He bled, He died to save me;

And not alone the gift of life,

But His own self He gave me!

Naught that I have mine own I call,

I’ll hold it for the giver,

My heart, my strength, my life, my all

Are His, and His forever.

I’ve found a Friend, O such a Friend!

All power to Him is given,

To guard me on my onward course,

And bring me safe to Heaven.

The eternal glories gleam afar,

To nerve my faint endeavor;

So now to watch, to work, to war,

And then to rest forever.

I’ve found a Friend, O such a Friend!

So kind and true and tender,

So wise a counselor and guide,

So mighty a defender!

From Him who loves me now so well

What power my soul can sever?

Shall life or death, shall earth or hell?

No! I am His forever.

 Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword? -Romans 8:35

 For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, 

nor things present, nor things to come, Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, 

shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord. 

Romans 8:35

The Potter and the Clay

We are the clay, and Thou our potter; and we all are the work of Thy hand. 

-Isaiah 64:8

The Potter and the Clay 

By Mary M., 1893

As clay within the potter’s hand,

Responsive to his will,

So let us be, and in us, Lord,

Thy purposes fulfill;

Made willing in Thy day of power,

Each restless spirit still.

Lord, make this place Thy potter’s house,

Where Thou shalt have Thy way,

To mold and fashion as Thou wilt,

Upon Thy wheel today;

Cleansing from sin’s impurity,

Make pliant as the clay.

Thou hast a purpose in each life,

Thou hast Thine own great plan;

Thou seest possibilities,

Unseen by us in man;

And where man says, Impossible,

Thy love has said, I can.

Dear Lord, too oft we’ve hindered Thee

And would not passive lie,

And let Thee work Thy work in us,

Thy name to glorify;

Now with desire Thy will be done,

Our longing spirits cry.

A Promise For Today: Fear the LORD

O fear the LORD, ye his saints: for there is no want 

to them that fear him. The young lions do lack, and suffer hunger: but they that seek the LORD 

shall not want any good thing. 

-Psalms 34:9-10

Tell Me the Old, Old Story

It had been awhile since I had thought of or sung this hymn, and the words

blessed me today as I was thinking on how what Christ has done for us never ceases 

to give comfort to His own, and seems always new and sweet especially when we're weary 

and cast down. 

The author of the hymn wrote this: 

I wrote the first part toward the end of January 1866. I was unwell at the time, just recovering from a severe illness, and the first stanza really indicates my state of health, for I was literally weak and weary. When I had written the first part, which consisted of eight stanzas of four lines each, I laid it aside, and it was not until the following November that I completed the whole hymn. -Katherine Hankey

  Come unto Me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.

-Matthew 11:28

Tell Me the Old, Old Story

Tell me the old, old story

Of unseen things above,

Of Jesus and His glory,

Of Jesus and His love.

Tell me the story simply,

As to a little child,

For I am weak and weary,

And helpless and defiled.

Refrain

Tell me the old, old story,

Tell me the old, old story,

Tell me the old, old story,

Of Jesus and His love.

Tell me the story slowly,

That I may take it in,

That wonderful redemption,

God’s remedy for sin.

Tell me the story often,

For I forget so soon;

The early dew of morning

Has passed away at noon.

Refrain

Tell me the story softly,

With earnest tones and grave;

Remember I’m the sinner

Whom Jesus came to save.

Tell me the story always,

If you would really be,

In any time of trouble,

A comforter to me.

Refrain

Tell me the same old story

When you have cause to fear

That this world’s empty glory

Is costing me too dear.

Yes, and when that world’s glory

Is dawning on my soul,

Tell me the old, old story:

Christ Jesus makes thee whole.

Refrain

I love this verse especially:

"Tell me the story softly,

With earnest tones and grave;

Remember I’m the sinner

Whom Jesus came to save.

Tell me the story always,

If you would really be,

In any time of trouble,

A comforter to me."

 Romans 3:19   Now we know that what things soever the law saith, it saith to them who are under the law: that every mouth may be stopped, and all the world may become guilty before God. 

  Romans 3:20   Therefore by the deeds of the law there shall no flesh be justified in his sight: for by the law is the knowledge of sin. 

  Romans 3:21   But now the righteousness of God without the law is manifested, being witnessed by the law and the prophets; 

  Romans 3:22   Even the righteousness of God which is by faith of Jesus Christ unto all and upon all them that believe: for there is no difference: 

  Romans 3:23   For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God; 

  Romans 3:24   Being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus: 

  Romans 3:25   Whom God hath set forth to be a propitiation through faith in his blood, to declare his righteousness for the remission of sins that are past, through the forbearance of God; 

  Romans 3:26   To declare, I say, at this time his righteousness: that he might be just, and the justifier of him which believeth in Jesus. 

Blessed is the man to whom the Lord will not impute sin.

Romans 4:8

The Refiner of Silver

Some years ago, I had found this article in an old periodical from the late 1800's titled "The Remembrancer", (based off one of the verses in 2 Peter, "Wherefore I will not be negligent to put you always in remembrance of these things, though ye know them, and be established in the present truth." It was such a thought-provoking article, that I printed it out and saved it. It wasn't till recently as I was reading something else, that it came to my mind again, and I thought I'd type it up and post it here for others to read. I hope it's a blessing to someone else as well. 

The Refiner of Silver
From: The Remembrancer -- 1894

But who may abide the day of his coming? and who shall stand when he appeareth? for he is like a refiner's fire, and like fullers' soap: 
And he shall sit as a refiner and purifier of silver: and he shall purify the sons of Levi, and purge them as gold and silver, that they may offer unto the LORD an offering in righteousness. 
-Malachi 3:1-2

Some months ago, a few ladies, who met together in Dublin to read the Scriptures and make them the subject of conversation, were reading the third chapter of Malachi.
One of the ladies gave it as her opinion that the "Fuller's soap" and the "Refiner of silver" was the same image; both intended to convey the same view of the sanctifying influence of the grace of Christ; while another observed, "there is something remarkable in the expression in the third verse, "He shall SIT as a refiner and purifier of silver".
They agreed that possibly it might be so, and one of the ladies promised to call on a silversmith, and report to them what he said on the subject: She went accordingly, and without telling him the object of her errand, begged to know the process of refining silver. This he fully described to her; "but," said she, do you sit while the work of refining is going on?"
"Oh, yes, madam," replied the silversmith, "I must sit with my eye steadily fixed on the furnace, for if the time necessary for refining is exceeded, the silver is sure to be injured."
At once she saw the beauty and the comfort of the expression, "He shall sit as a refiner and purifier of silver."
Christ sees it needful to put the children into the furnace-but He is seated at the side of it-His eye is steadily intent on the work of purifying, and wisdom and love are both engaged in the best manner for them. Their trials do not come at random. The very hairs of their head are all numbered.
As the lady was leaving, the silversmith called her back, and said he had further to mention that he only knew when the work was complete by seeing his own image reflected in the silver. A beautiful figure! When Christ SEES His own image in His people, the work of purifying is accomplished!
It has been well said: "If thou art a child of God, there is no exemption from the household discipline. The voice that speaks may seem rough, but the hand that smites is gentle. The furnace may be seven times heated, but the Refiner is seated by. His object is not to consume, but to purify. All, be assured, will yet bear the stamp of love. The saint on earth can say regarding his trials, in faith and in trust, "I know, O Lord that Thy judgments are right, and that Thou in faithfulness hast afflicted me." The saint in glory can go a step further, " I see, O Lord, that they are so!"
"Believer, on a calm retrospect of thy heaviest afflictions, say were they unneeded? Was this what Augustine calls "the severe mercy of God's discipline' -was it too severe? Less would not have done. He may have led thee to a Zarepath ('a place of furnaces'), but it is to show thee there 'one like unto the Son of God!'
"When was thy God ever so near thee, or thou to thy God, as in the furnace-fires? The spices in the temple of old were bruised. The gold of its candlestick was beaten gold! My soul, be still! Thou hast in affliction one means of glorifying God which even angels have not in a sorrowless world: Patience under the rod-submission to thy Heavenly Father's will."

"Yes, patience! there may come a time, 
When these dull ears shall hear aright, 
Strains that outring earth's drowsy chime, 
As heaven outshines the taper's light!" 

That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold which perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise, and honor, and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ." -1 Peter 1:7

Abiding in Him

"Our question ought not to be, how many times have I read through God's Word? But rather, how much have I retained and obeyed? This will humble the heart, and cause us to search and try our ways."

"When the Word dwells as a familiar friend in the heart to direct, counsel and comfort us, then it is a sign it abides there. The devil knows good and hates it, therefore knowledge alone is nothing; but when the promise alters the temper of the heart itself, then it is engrafted there." -Unknown 

 "If ye abide in Me, and My words abide in you, ye shall ask what ye will, 

and it shall be done unto you." -John 15:7

How do we know if we are abiding in Him, and His Words are abiding in us? God gives us the answer to that here in 1 John: 

"But whoso keepeth His word, in him verily is the love of God perfected: 

hereby know we that we are in Him." 

-1 John 2:5

And he that keepeth his commandments dwelleth in him, and he in him. 

And hereby we know that he abideth in us, by the Spirit which he hath given us. 

-1 John 3:24

It's not by doing what's right in our own eyes, but testing our lives by the holy Word of God, and keeping His commandments. Are we desiring to keep His commandments? 

Every way of a man is right in his own eyes: but the LORD 
pondereth the hearts.
 -Proverbs 21:2

And now, little children, abide in him; that, when he shall appear, we may have confidence, and not be ashamed before him at his coming. 
-1 John 2:28