Monday Morning Cover to Cover

For the past two weeks, I have been really ill with kidney failure. It all started with a broken toe. But, I am finally back on my feet today. It’s my first day up. And, I want to post what lingers with me as I reflect back on the daily readings of the Bible chronologically from the past two weeks. My beautiful God has listened to my cries 24/7. And now, the cry of my heart is to be back and to get to hear each of you walking with the God you so adore. I am not 100% yet so it may take me a few more days before I can get to reading blogs again. I'll be back soon.

Here’s what lingers with me from the week before. I actually had Joshua posted on this one too but I just lost it all so will have to do it again--- I may try later tonight. Lesson Learned---do it in Microsoft Word.

I have a new-found courage rising up in my heart and fresh hope in the midst of closed doors and many tears to my beautiful sometimes silent Savior. Let me say, I am so grateful for your prayers! I have changed the way I eat every day and this will be a challenge for me to give up lifelong habits. But I am committed to it.

Deut 12:24 – In the presence of our beautiful God, I rejoice in what I put my hand to, along with you, not doing what I see fit, but living in His presence at the place the LORD has chosen for me --- and for you. Deut 12:18. Then, HE gives rest from the enemies of our soul. “Do what is right in His eyes.” My world says different things to me. Different advice, depending on the person. Listen to HIM.

I experienced nine fainting spells that threw me for a loop these past two weeks and felt God was distant during those times. But I do know that He is present, not absent for me. And I found rest for my soul as I wrestled through this. And I am finding a rendezvous with rest I have never known before. And I can’t praise HIM enough. Can’t thank HIM enough. Not for deliverance from all my current problems but for making me dependent on HIM, my source of life. Deut. 13:3---Revere HIM. Hold fast to HIM. Out of all the peoples on the face of the earth, the LORD has chosen you to be His Treasured Possession. And that’s just unbelievable.

One verse that meant so much is Deut 15:16 and I thought about pierced ears and pierced hearts all week long. I don’t ever want to leave my beautiful God. My heart is pierced for life. A bondservant is what Paul called it. No matter what happens, He is my Master, I am His servant. He is my Father and I remain His daughter. We are Friends. I call HIM my Lover. Lover of my soul, Lover of my life, Lover of my all.

There were a few moments when I had no idea what was happening to me this week. I just knew something was really wrong with me. All I could do was pray and lay my head on the “empty chair." He was there. My prayer for you is Psalm 90 - Teach us to number our days aright. Have compassion on us, o God. Satisfy us in the morning with your unfailing love, and may the Favor of the Lord your God rest on you this moment. For Deut 32:47 says that His Words are not idle words for you, they are your very life. Take this to heart! May His Words fall like rain on your tender heart. Deut 32:2. “Let the beloved of the LORD rest secure in HIM all day long. You are the one the LORD loves and may you rest between His shoulders." Deut 33:12. May you find the favor of HIM Who dwelt in the burning bush. Deut 3316. There is no God like the one I see in you all and pray you find in the midst of what you are going through. He rides on the heavens to help you in your need. Deut 33:26-27…for underneath you are His everlasting arms.

I'll try again to tell you what lingered from Joshua...
I was so touched by the prostitute, Rahab. Joshua 1:6 She did what she could for her God. She took a risk even when a city didn't think the same way.

Joshua 23:2-4 resonated with me cause I am older than most all of you, I think. We have seen what the LORD has done for us. I never dreamed that HE could deliver me from the strangling fears of someone taking my life that I experienced in earlier years, but HE HAS. 22:16 "Don't break faith with HIM." For HE fights for us in the midst of whatever we are going through. And HE is setting me free even today. Because HE fights for you, one of you routs a thousand. 23:10. So be very careful to love HIM with all your heart.

I LOVED in 14:14 where Caleb followed the LORD wholeheartedly. Whole heart. Fully HIS. That's my prayer for us all this night and forever.

And I'll end with the "sun stood still" story. So touching to me. 10:9 Joshua took the enemy by surprise after marching all night from Gilgal. And what did his LORD do? He so confused the Amorites. I thought so many times during my fainting spells about the hailstones. God can do anything! Please help my unbelief!
He hurled heavy hailstones from the heavens.
He made the sun stand still in the sky.
Never a day like it before or since when the LORD listened to a man. He is listening to you tonight. Listening to your prayers. Listening to your words to your husband, your children, your world. Listening, hoping to hear you come to HIM for every day you much choose this day WHOM you will serve. 24:15. What do you want more than the Love of your Christ? What in life is more important to any of us than following HIM wholeheartedly?

With Loving Gratitude and Hailstone Prayers for you, Bev