Of Flower-Power and End Results

Now may the Lord direct your hearts into the love of God and into the patience of Christ. Sometimes, whether intentionally or not, in misfortune, some bring salt to rub in the shoulda-wish-I-woulda-wound.Others, like my sweet sister, bring hugs and flowers.Thank-you, Lucy💗(to you, my gentle readers; never underestimate the powerof a hug and flowers) Little do we know what circumstance awaits to test the readiness of love's replyBut this we do; Emmanuel (God with us) does not fail to help the fumbling likes of you and I Above an altar fixed beneath our hands and feet, God's mercy, new each morning fills the earth and skies The sacrifice we bring to Him (or not) will prove without a word of explanation, what we dearly prize/ where our treasure lies Last week's 'tests' drew me to scriptures of encouragement to be faithful no matter what!,This morning (because I am forgetful)  I returned to reread a few posts to re-remind me of God's promises! Life, ultimately, is a series of tests, isn't it?! The true test, in all we dream and seek is whether its getting is for the pleasing and benefit of Selfor to bring honour and glory to God, the giver of each life! Lord, purify my goals, delights and desires todayAnd waken a more fervent longing to trust You and obeyLord, forge within my stubborn bent a meeker heart, I pray For Thou, Lord, art the Potter, oh, and I, Lord, am the clay If in the end, it draws a soul to TheeLord, let me not despise Thy chasteningBut echo these words Where the day of Thy grace is hastening If in the end it bears eternal fruitFor Thy Kingdom, power and glory, LordAnd stays me from this world’s deadly pursuitAnd saves me from a death none can afford Then, without regret, worry or complaintForbid I cling to what cannot defendBut walk worthy of the call of the saintIf it draws a soul to Thee, in the end So that Thy love would abound more and moreConfound the beast that does not boast of TheeAnd reprimand the pride that you abhorIf in the end it yields humility © Janet Martin Glorious reminders in my morning reading today!