The Thorn

I stood a mendicant of God
Before His royal throne
And begged Him for one priceless gift
Which I could call my own.
I took the gift from out His hand
But as I would depart
I cried, "But, Lord, this is a thorn!
And it has pierced my heart!
This is a strange and hurtful gift
Which Thou hast given me."
He said, "My child, I give good gifts
And gave My best to thee."

I took it home, and though at first
The cruel thorn hurt sore,
As long years passed I learned at last
To love it more and more.
I learned He never gives a thorn
Without this added grace:
He takes the thorn to pin aside
The veil which hides His face.
(Martha Snell Nicholson)

Through Dark-Clouded Glass

...In this world you will have trouble (pain and sorrow). (Jn. 16:33b) That "trouble" will often become the filter thru' which we distortedly view everything else in life...sometimes it will distort even our view of the Father.

But, He has overcome the world! And someday, believer, the overcomer will come for us; then we will see him as he truly is, in all of his glory...face-to-face...the filter removed!

For now, Lord, I will continue beholding your face in righteousness (right standing, rightness, justice). I will be fully satisfied when I awake (to find myself) beholding your form (and having sweet communion with you)! (Ps. 17:15 AMP)

We don't yet see things clearly. We're squinting in a fog, peering through a mist. But it won't be long before the weather clears and the sun shines bright! We'll see it all then, see it all as clearly as God sees us, knowing him directly just as he knows us! (1 Cor. 13:12 MSG)

...come (quickly), Lord Jesus! (Rev. 22:21b)

I'm Looking Forward

2011! Everything is new! Though to us the days ahead seem to be a blank page, He has already written the story of our lives before one day ever came to be. (Ps. 139:16)

I'm looking forward to discovering the story He has written of me. I'm looking forward to walking with Him, loving Him, serving Him, trusting Him and, most importantly, BELIEVING Him, in the days ahead.

His promises to Joshua so long ago, are the same unchanging promises for us today.
I'll be with you. I won't give up on you. I won't leave you. Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.(Joshua 1:5b,9b)

I'm looking forward to reading/discovering your story this year as well! I can promise you it will be full of adventure, joy & hope! If we don't for a minute let (His Word) be out of mind, and if we ponder and meditate on it day and night, making sure to practice everything written it, then (we'll) get where (we're) going; then (we'll) succeed. (Joshua 1:8)

May your 2011 story be prosperous and successful, according to God's Word. Happy New Year friends!