Puzzle Pieces

"Our experiences resemble a jigsaw puzzle...
When it is all ready, we shall find that the dark pieces of the puzzle were as important in the completion of the full beauty of the pattern as the bright sections.
The dark background will only bring out in bolder and more gorgeous relief the figures in the picture, in the center of which will be His lovely face..."
- M.R. Deltann

"Because the foolishness of God is wiser than men; and the weakness of God is stronger than man." - 1st Corinthinas 1:25

Who are we to question God?

I Forgot - But He was Holding Out His Hand

Oh Lord God,

How dimly now the path is lit before me.
How darkly now the trees and shadows loom.
How quickly now I try to find my own way
By groping down a path that leads to doom.

But then my ears pick up Your still small whisper
When finally in defeat I humbly lay.
"Get up, My Child." And gently I am lifted.
Shamefacedly, I turn to You and say:

"I forgot that You were walking right beside me.
I forgot that You had offered me Your hand.
I forgot You never took from me Your goodness.
I forgot - until I fell in shifting sand."

Oh God, how often I forget Your tender mercies.
How often I refuse Your daily care.
Until brought low by toil and by trouble,
How often I foget that You are there.

Lord, please pick me up and I will humbly follow.
I will follow, Lord, wherever You will lead.
I will hold Your hand and trust Your gentle whisper.
I will love You, and Your charges I will heed.

"I forgot that You were walking right beside me.
I forgot that You have offered me Your hand.
I fogot You never take from me Your goodness.
I forgot - but now in Your grace I'll stand."

Make a joyful noise, O lands. Rejoice!

With joy and gladness lift your voice.

Come to the Lord with love and song.

Lift up His name for He is strong.

The Lord alone is God of all.

He made all things, both great and small;

And yet He gently leads His sheep

To rest and safety in His keep.

His court room doors stand open wide.

He bids us in Him to confide.

With praise and thanks approach his throne.

With thanksgiving let His name be known.

The Lord is good, His mercy long,

His truth is faithful, ever strong.

I will not fear, but will rejoice.

To Him I'll make a joyful noise.

Oh! The Matchless Grace of Jesus!

Who am I that God Should look upon me?
Who am I that He would care and meet my needs?
After Everything I’ve done
To God’s most precious Son,
Who am I that God should look on me?

(Chorus)
Oh how matchless is the grace of Jesus,
Who would say that I am precious in His sight!
Oh how great is the mercy of the Master,
Who would come to where I was
And give me life!

I was wretched, I was lost, and all alone.
I had no grace or goodness of my own.
But He chose me and He changed me,
And claimed me as His own!
Now I know I have a Heavenly home.

Why have I found grace in Your eyes?
Why have You every need supplied?
I stand amazed where grace has found me.
I’m overwhelmed by Your great love.
I rest secure since Your grace my soul restored.

Religion versus Relationship

Here it is. No questions asked. No exceptions given.

James 1:27
"Pure religion and undefiled before God and the Father is this, to visit the fatherless and widows in their affliction, and to keep himself unspotted from the world."

Pure religion defined:
To visit the fatherless
To visit the widows
and
To keep himself unspotted from the world

Our church has given us so man opportunities to serve. If you're not in any of these ministries it is a loss to the church and a loss to your personal growth.
However,even iv you have taken advantage of these opportunities to serve, if you have not guarded yourself against the world, than your religion, or your service, is in vain.. Religion is not to be put in the place of relationship. Religion is your loving service, because of your relationship.
Making breakfast in the morning is not a wife's relationship is not her relationship, but rather, it is a service of love she performs because of her relationship. Your service to God is not your relationship with him, but rather, it is an active account of love for Him.
Pure religion must be both service and separation. If a wife were to go out an have an affair every Saturday, it might just put a damper on her relationship with her husband. It is the same with God. If I serve Him everyday during the week, but then give my Saturdays to the world and the pleasures it offers, it will hinder my relationship with God.
My pastor has often said, "The degree of your service is directly related to the degree of your separation." As I search my own life, I would encourage you to do likewise. Is your service for the sake of your religion or is it because of your relationship with a loving God?

The Fruits and Filling of the Spirit

Lord God,
Fill me with Your Spirit this day. Move me and use me at Your will. Make me a fruitful tree. May I love all that You love and find joy in all that You find joy in. Give to me Your peace that passes all earthly understanding. Help me to suffer long for your sake. May I be gentle to others as You are gentle to me. Make me to see Your goodness and likewise live. Give me faith to trust that You know best for me and help me to live every moment with the firm belief and realization that You will never fail me. God, give me strength that is controlled by You, and give me temperance that I may be a picture of who You are. You are perfect; I am sinful. Lord God, I need Your Spirit. Please fill me today.
Signed,
Your Servant

AGAINST SUCH, THERE IS NO LAW

None Beside Thee

Psalm 73:1-3,21,26,28

"Truly God is good to Israel, even to such as are of a clean heart.
But as for me, my feet were almost gone: my steps had well-nigh slipped.
For I was envious at the foolish, when I saw the prosperity of the wicked.
Thus my heart was grieved, and I was pricked in my reins.
Whom have I in Heaven but thee? And there is none upon earth that I desire beside thee.
But it is good for me to draw near to God; I have put my trust in the Lord God, that I may declare all thy works."