Gale-worthy Grounding

Devastation and disaster are part of this lifeand sometimes sadly, seems the only way for God to really get our attention.Somehow, when life unfolds smoothly weare more apt to slip into selfish complacency ratherthan call on Him. When we dwell only on grief's wounds that loss of loved ones inflictssorrow can be almost unbearable! However, when we remember and think on the believer's gain, where death is but the door to faith's inheritancewhat comfort God's promises bestow. John 11:25Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. Whoever believes in Me will live, even though he dies. And everyone who lives and believes in Me will never die. Do you believe this?” My friend gifted me a beautiful bookknowing how much I love the booksStreams in the Desert and Springs in the ValleyThis book, by the the same author, Mrs. Chas. E. Cowman is entitled Consolation... and I love it!It is a collection of daily devotionsof consolation and encouragement... (And the pretty, handmade brooch pinned to my bookmark ribbonwas a gift as well from a sweet and super-talented artist in my Sunday School class 💝💖) Yesterday's devotion was esp. ministering to meand may be to you as well, as our hearts are with everyone affected by the wildfires in LA.! As I pondered where to beginto find the beginning of true hope, joy and peaceas I began to trace one truthit always joined to another... Faith, without a firm foundation when life’s gales begin to blowWill be devoid of duration; like a ship tossed to and fro Hope, without faith’s expectation anchored in redeeming loveFlaps it wings; determination on its own is not enough Joy without hope’s secure anchor; Jesus, who forgives our sinWhen met with bereavement’s rancor, has no Comforter within Peace, without joy’s Awesome Author, (whose gift of salvation saves)Cannot be; because no other Voice can calm dread’s wind and waves Trust, without God’s peace to buffer trouble’s billows undeterredCannot bear what it must suffer without guidance from God’s Word Love, without Trust’s full surrender, is a bud, eager to burstWith incomparable splendor of the One who loved us first Faith, hope, joy, peace, trust and love; what better bulwark can there beBy the grace of God quite enough to pray ‘be it unto me’ Quite enough to be enough though hell's fury should be unfurled Upon the Rock of Jesus' love Faith's Footing overcomes the world © Janet Martin Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, / through whom we have gained access by faith into this grace in which we stand. And we rejoice in the hope of the glory of God. / Not only that, but we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; ... the faith and love proceeding from the hope stored up for you in heaven, of which you have already heard in the word of truth, the gospel Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! By His great mercy He has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, / and into an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, reserved in heaven for you, / who through faith are shielded by God’s power for the salvation that is ready to be revealed in the last time. Therefore, beloved, since we have these promises, let us cleanse ourselves from everything that defiles body and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God. Pursue peace with everyone, as well as holiness, without which no one will see the Lord. Lyrics... How firm a foundation, ye saints of the Lord,Is laid for your faith in His excellent word!What more can He say than to you He hath said,To you who for refuge to Jesus have fled?2“Fear not, I am with thee, O be not dismayed,For I am thy God, and will still give thee aid;I’ll strengthen thee, help thee, and cause thee to stand,Upheld by My righteous, omnipotent hand.”3“When through the deep waters I call thee to go,The rivers of sorrow shall not overflow;For I will be with thee, thy troubles to bless,And sanctify to thee thy deepest distress.”4“When through fiery trials thy pathway shall lie,My grace, all sufficient, shall be thy supply;The flame shall not hurt thee; I only designThy dross to consume, and thy gold to refine.”5“E’en down to old age all My people shall proveMy sovereign, eternal, unchangeable love;And then, when grey hairs shall their temples adorn,Like lambs they shall still in My bosom be borne.”6“The soul that on Jesus hath leaned for repose,I will not, I will not desert to his foes;That soul, though all hell should endeavor to shake,I’ll never, no, never, no, never forsake!” ; ;