Lord of the Ringless

Trouble

A woman shared since she declared bankruptcy, just trying to network with others to share her skills, contacting old friends provokes a hands up--people holding her at a distance.

 

“They have their own troubles,” one man shared.

Often that is the case when times are difficult. Although we can turn to people for some help we must ultimately turn to the Lord. Hence a timely saying by Eugene Peterson on the topic of Trouble.

 

TROUBLE

Trouble does it’s best work when it draws us to God. Discovering other people cannot or will not help us is not a disaster if at the same time, it shows God both can and will help.

 

That we are abandoned by others is not the last straw so much as the first step to the realization that God is our help and salvation

 

In the empty places in my life devastated by broken promises and vacated by faithless companions come, Holy Spirit, as companion and comforter.

 

I will use my times of trouble to receive the help that only you can give. Amen.

                                                                                Eugene Peterson

 

 

Psalm 118:8

It is better to take refuge in the Lord than to put confidence in man. 

 

Psalm 117:1,2

Praise the Lord, all you nations, extol him, all you peoples.

For great is His love toward us, and the faithfulness of the Lord endures forever. Praise the Lord

 

Matthew 28:20   Lo, I am with you always, to the close of the age.   Jesus

 

 

TGA Trumps TGIF

“TGIF.”

 

I used to say this every Friday when I worked Monday to Friday with intensity. My career was hard work but I made good money. That time passed a few years ago, even before this financial crisis so another acronym suits me and maybe some of you, much better now… TGA. Thank God Always. I am thinking of my friends and family tonite who have their first day of Furlough tomorrow to help our state budget.

 

 

I just read a powerful little book called “The Power of Thanksgiving,” (Barbour books). Many of the stories and quotes are from people who have little financially or writers who share true value, the “value of a much-loved parent or child” and the moments with them –priceless. Far richer than money.

 

 

One woman died telling her children although she had no money to leave them, she had left them values… and the knowledge and guts to do what is right. Unapoletically, she felt that was of far more worth than if she just left them money. Wisdom stays with us. Money, as we all know, can make wings and fly away…just like the Bible says.

 

 

One woman named Ellen, really touched me. Apparently she lived on the edge of town in a shack. People tried to help Ellen and she refused. This is what she said and I would like to remember her words and share them with you:

 

“God has made sure that I’ve had enough to get by on. I don’t need anymore than that. He and I have a nice deal. When He needs me, He lets me know and shows me what I can do… and when I need Him all I have to do is call. I’ve faced hard times, but the Lord has always given me strength and given me a place to run to.”

 

Psalm 9:9  “The Lord will also be a refuge for the oppressed, a refuge in times of trouble. Those who know your name will trust in you for you have never forsaken those who seek you.”