Today I went to Bible Study Fellowship (BSF http://bsfinternational.org/ ) Sharing Day. It is policy not to share other's stories. Don't worry, I won't. It is a safe place to bare our hearts and brag on God. I went down with the intent to listen and hear what God has been doing in women's lives through the study of Genesis over the course of the last 9 months. I had no intention of sharing a testimony myself.
Listening to the many wonderful deeds the Lord has done through this amazing tool, BSF, my spirit was stirred. You know, that rapid heartbeat and quickened breathing... also known as the Holy Spirit calling... He truly lives IN US!! Praise! Hallelujah! Amen!
I drove home on this gorgeous spring day in Minnesota praising God. And... I have to admit... confessing my sin of not giving God enough of the glory when I testified of His greatness and promises. When I returned home I got right into His word to study the next verse of thanks.
Here's today's verse:
"Let them sacrifice thank offerings and tell of his works with songs of joy." Psalm 107:22
OK. So, how do I ignore the obvious and wait another day or two to share what the Lord is telling us?! I just lived and enjoyed the beauty of this verse OUT LOUD at BSF Sharing Day! God's timing is amazing. He's sovereign and just seeps out love all over me. I hope you can feel it spilling over.
"But as for me, it is good to be near God. I have made the Sovereign Lord my refuge; I will tell of all your deeds." Psalm 73:28
"I will not die but live, and will proclaim what the Lord has done." Psalm 118:17
With this thrill comes the next blessing. Over 7 months ago, while reading in my devotional, Jesus Calling, I made a note by today's verse address (Ps 107:22) that told me to come back to the entry for October 14.
Be prepared to suffer for Me, in My Name. All suffering has meaning in My kingdom. Pain and problems are opportunities to demonstrate your trust in Me. Bearing your circumstances bravely - even thanking Me for them - is one of the highest forms of praise. This sacrifice of thanksgiving rings golden-toned bells of Joy throughout heavenly realms. On earth also, your patient suffering sends out ripples of good tidings in ever-widening circles.
When suffering strikes, remember that I am sovereign and that I can bring good out of everything. Do not try to run from pain or hide from problems. Instead, accept adversity in My Name, offering it up to Me for My purposes. Thus, your suffering gains meaning and draws you closer to Me. Joy emerges from the ashes of adversity through your trust and thankfulness.
"Consider it pure joy, my brothers (sisters), whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything." (parenthesis added by me for the BSF ladies) James 1:2-4
"Let them give thanks to the Lord for his unfailing love and his wonderful deeds for men. Let them sacrifice thank offerings and tell of his works with songs of joy." Psalm 107:21-22
The testimonies of God's goodness today at BSF were modern day thank offerings. These offerings were sent out with so much joy. The tears that were meant for pain were turned into tears of holy gladness by our loving God. When we are able to see God's goodness, through our blurry vision and tear stained cheeks, by sharing with transparent hearts God is glorified and lives are changed.
The golden-toned bells of Joy were truly ringing in the heavenly realms this morning. Praise! Alleluiah! Amen!
"And be thankful." Colossians 3:15b
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