September Monthly Writing......9/1/16

Good Morning,

This morning I am feeling blessed by our Women's Monthly Prayer and Praise Meeting. It is part of out Connect effort at my church. Celebration Christian Center. We get together to fellowship, sing praises to the Lord, and then pray for issues that any given woman may be dealing with. It was very powerful last night, and it is always a blessing that our unseen member (but whose presence is felt strongly!) Jody Ward who coleads this get together with me is our worship leader. Last night she led us in singing a beautiful song that she has written, "Habakkuk's Praise" that is based on some verses from Chapters 2 and 3 in the book of Habakkuk.   After worship we had the privilege of praying for others there. It was a powerful night.

Praise God

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Today is the first day of September. Where did the time fly? Cathy Friberg is one of our Monthly Writers who has provided a thought provoking and interesting writing since we began over six years ago. This month Cathy's writing is called "A  STRONG TOWER," She is remembering a time when a child was singing with her family. The song words, "he is exalted," became..."he is exhausted." She quotes several scriptures that show and promise that God never grows weary and that He is there for his people when they face weariness. Cathy wrote, "As we sang praises tonight in Church service I began weeping in gratitude that someone once led me to an all powerful yet merciful God who is always there to carry me through every circumstance."

Have a fantastic Thursday

Corinne and Cathy
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A  STRONG TOWER

When my children were young I was visiting one afternoon with some friends who also had little ones. We were chatting and one of the gals mentioned that her 3 year old daughter had been singing praise hymns at home with the rest of the family. 

They sang "He is exalted", however her little girl innocently crooned "He is EXHAUSTED."

We all had a hearty laugh at that precious faux pas. Surely this very young lady had heard her frazzled Mom lament many times about how exhausted she herself was. When the toddler and her siblings had been "acting out,"Mom had probably also told them they needed a nap because they were just exhausted. 

At any rate, thinking back on this endearing tale, I am so grateful that in reality our God never grows weary. It is one of His miraculous characteristics. 

      "Have you never heard? Have you never understood? 

The Lord is the everlasting God, the creator of all the earth. 

He never grows weak or weary." 

Isaiah 40:28 

The Lord never tires of us as we battle our shortcomings and failures. He continues to encourage and uphold us. We as humans may easily become fatigued and get discouraged or depressed. However, at those times, even in the midnight hours, we can turn to the Lord to be renewed and refreshed. 

     "....He who keeps you will not slumber." 

 Psalm 121:3 

It is from our God that we draw strength in exchange for our own weakness. 

     "He gives power to the faint, 

and to him who has no might He increases strength. 

Even youths shall faint and be weary, and young men shall fall exhausted, 

but they who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength;

 they shall mount up with wings like eagles; 

they shall run and not be weary;

they shall walk and not faint."  

Isaiah 40:29-3

The preceding scripture implies that we derive our strength not from the flesh or the natural man, but rather from the Spirit of the Lord. How do we obtain this strength? 

     "Seek the Lord and His strength; seek His presence continually."  

1 Chronicles 16:11

As we spend time reading God's Word, studying it, memorizing it, and meditating on it, we are energized and motivated to do His will. In addition, as we sing praise to Him or soak quietly in His presence, listening to hymns or sitting in silence hearkening unto His voice, He breathes new life into us.

     "He restores my soul." 

Psalm 23:3

From our earthly perspective it is hard to imagine a God with continuous strength, might, and power. Yet, that is a perfect description of the Father whom we serve. We can lean on Him and trust Him despite all of the enemy's assaults, because... 

      " ... the battle is not ours, but God's." 
2 Chronicles 20:15 

The Lord is the one who is skilled and powerful enough to bring us the victory!

      "... We are more than conquerors through Him who loved us." 

Romans 8:37

As we sang praises tonight in Church service I began weeping in gratitude that someone once led me to an all powerful yet merciful God who is always there to carry me through every circumstance. 

Jesus, You never grow weary of being my refuge and fortress. Dear "Cherished One in Heaven" may we all be used to shine your light and to point others to you as Lord, Savior and Tower of Strength.

Written by
Cathy Friberg

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Prayers are lifted up daily for 

you by the Devotional Writers 

and the Monthly Writing Staff

of Women's Focus Ministries.

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