Monday, October 8, 2012

Taking Refuge in Him

Timberwood Church in Nisswa
Traveling to join up with family this week, we found the Timberwood Church in the northern Minnesota. The message was on Psalm 37, built around TRUST; the teaching outline spelling a word with each of the letters. These are the notes I took as the pastor walked through the beautiful chapter, verse by verse:

Thrilled (vv 1-7) Bask in Him, delight, keep eyes on Him.
Reversal (vv 8-15) Things are about to change. It will endure for awhile but it will reverse.
Upheld (vv. 16-26) Though he stumble, he will not fall.
Speak (vv 27-33) Share with others what God is doing in our lives. Speak truth, move forward.
Trouble (vv 34-40) The Lord helps them and delivers them... because they take refuge in Him.

As the message was being summarized, "Don't fret; we are called to wait on and trust in Him..." I read back over my notes and it all came together so powerfully for me. I said to Ted, "We could substitute the word cancer for the references to evil and wickedness throughout that whole Psalm."

Then, tears continued as they sang a treasured song from our home church: 10,000 Reasons. Miles from home, we had visited a church where we heard a favorite Psalm preached and sang this favorite song. The message was a great assurance to us, so I guess this is where God intended us to be!

Yes, Lord, for all your goodness, I will keep on singing and praising you. In the "Land of 10,000 Lakes," I surely have 10,000 reasons for my heart to find your blessings.
Tall timbers line the parking lot.

2 comments:

  1. Ted & Marilyn
    We can trust God & God will repond to our faith
    Keep your Focus on the word of God
    Your weaknesses will crumble in His prescence
    Never forget who you are talking to

    I Love you both & I am keeping you close in prayer
    Laurie
    Daniel 10:19
    "Do not be afraid, you who are highly esteemed," he said. "Peace! Be strong now; be strong." When he spoke to me, I was strengthened and said, "Speak, my lord, since you have given me strength." (NIV)

    And he said, O man greatly beloved, fear not! Peace be to you! Be strong, yes, be strong. And when he had spoken to me, I was strengthened and said, Let my lord speak, for you have strengthened me. (AMP)

    And said, O man greatly beloved, fear not: peace be unto thee, be strong, yea, be strong. And when he had spoken unto me, I was strengthened, and said, Let my lord speak; for thou hast strengthened me

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  2. Thanks, Laurie. What a beautiful scripture -- I love that you shared the different versions!

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