The Measure of a Man
God's yardstick is very simple. "THE JUST SHALL LIVE BY FAITH". The Writer of the Epistle to the Hebrews tells us, "Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for. The conviction of things not seen."
Elisha was a Prophet of God Most High. When the King of Syria came against Israel, God's people prevailed because God revealed Syria's secret war plans to Elisha . Furious, the King of Syria sent his army to kill Elisha in the city of Dothan. Picking up the story in 2 Kings 6:15, Elisha'servant wakes up in the morning to find the city surrounded by the army of Syria. In fear, he awakens Elisha. "Alas, my master, what shall we do? Elisha answered, "do not fear for those who are with us are more than those who are with them." Then Elisha prayed, "O Lord, I pray, open his eyes that he may see." And the Lord opened the servant's eyes, and he saw; and behold, the mountain was full of horses and chariots of fire all around Elisha.
In the 11th chapter, of Hebrews, God repeats the words, "BY FAITH" again and again to encourage us today by the experiences of our brothers who came before us. In conclusion, He says, "Therefore, since we have so great a cloud of witnesses surrounding us, let us also lay aside every encumbrance, and the sin which so easily entangles us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of faith, who for the joy set before Him, endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.
Dearest Valerie, this is the God we serve. His armies surround you. His power is at work in your life at this very moment. His grace puts supernatural power at your disposal every day and in every circumstance. It is yours for the asking.
Turn your eyes upon Jesus. Look full in His wonderful face. And the things of Earth will grow strangely dim. in the light of His glory and grace.
Love, Dad
Elisha was a Prophet of God Most High. When the King of Syria came against Israel, God's people prevailed because God revealed Syria's secret war plans to Elisha . Furious, the King of Syria sent his army to kill Elisha in the city of Dothan. Picking up the story in 2 Kings 6:15, Elisha'servant wakes up in the morning to find the city surrounded by the army of Syria. In fear, he awakens Elisha. "Alas, my master, what shall we do? Elisha answered, "do not fear for those who are with us are more than those who are with them." Then Elisha prayed, "O Lord, I pray, open his eyes that he may see." And the Lord opened the servant's eyes, and he saw; and behold, the mountain was full of horses and chariots of fire all around Elisha.
In the 11th chapter, of Hebrews, God repeats the words, "BY FAITH" again and again to encourage us today by the experiences of our brothers who came before us. In conclusion, He says, "Therefore, since we have so great a cloud of witnesses surrounding us, let us also lay aside every encumbrance, and the sin which so easily entangles us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of faith, who for the joy set before Him, endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.
Dearest Valerie, this is the God we serve. His armies surround you. His power is at work in your life at this very moment. His grace puts supernatural power at your disposal every day and in every circumstance. It is yours for the asking.
Turn your eyes upon Jesus. Look full in His wonderful face. And the things of Earth will grow strangely dim. in the light of His glory and grace.
Love, Dad
posted by McCrea Family at 9:48 AM
6 Comments:
Dad,
I woke up this morning singing that song "Turn your eyes upon Jesus". That is an old EFCC song that has not come to my mind in a while. I just read your blog and saw you put that song down last night. God is at work morning noon and night. I love you!
Valerie
Dear Val;
I was sitting out in the Jacuzzi all alone tonight (wow, pretty amazing, ha?). The moon was just so beautiful, and I was having just one of those moments when you feel the Lord so near. All of a sudden a huge cloud came and within seconds covered the beautiful moon. It was as if God was saying so clear in my ears: Faith is believing when you can't see. Just as you know the moon is behind the cloud, I am there always even though sometimes it doesn't seem that way. It wasn't long before the edges of the cloud started to glow and pretty soon the moon was shining down on me again, more beautiful than ever. I read somewhere today that Faith is believing in the possibility that God can interfere in our situation. Isn't that so true? We have to believe, we have to have faith, and trust in Him to calm the storms in our lives. I was also reminded of the disciples in the boat in the storm when Jesus was asleep. I was picturing them scattering about terrified, trying everything possible to stay alive, and keep their boat afloat. I often feel that way myself, trying to hold it all together, you know, without completely allowing Him to do what He does best; calm the storms. Then I hear His voice so clearly; Oh you of little faith, trust in me! I alone can command the waves to be calm and the wind to be still. I made a commmitment to Him tonight to completely trust Him in everything and for everything in my life. How could I not, knowing fully that His plans are only for good. He is our Abba, our Daddy, who loves us so much, smiles when we are happy, and cries with us when we are hurting. I know He will calm this storm that has entered your life, and whenever I see you know after reading your Dad's posting, I will picture the horses and chariots surrounding you. I wish we could all get a glimpse of His armies that surround us. But, just as I knew the moon was there behind that cloud, I know He is with us holding us in His hands at all times. Have a great long weekend! See ya on Tuesday for MomsInTouch! I hope your mom can make it too so she can do the prayer blanket with us!
All my Love, Osil
Val, I am so happy that the tests are coming back and saying that thhe cancer is slowing down in growth! I believe!!! You are a wonder woman, keep up the great work. PS. Oue baby Claire Bella came and she wieghed 7lbs 15oz. and 20 inches long. A girl version of Liam:) I have many pictures I want to share with you. Please let me know an e-mail address that I can send you. She is like a little strawberry. I love you! Love, Val P val.persichetti@adelphia.net
Val,
I want you to know that I am always here for you. Even if it is just two small ears to listen to you speak. Sometimes it is just what you need in the middle of a hectic day. You have always been there for me through good times and bad. You are a wonderful friend.
Please keep your faith in front of you at all times. God is watching over you, sitting next to you and wrapped around you. I care about you and want to help however I can. Whether it be your courier to the Mayo Clinic, a listening ear, a visit to California to see you -
Whatever you need.....
Call me and I am there....
Love,
Your friend
Marianne
Val,
I am in awe of your father's writing...what an incredible man he is. And Osil's writing...beautiful! They both have me in tears at the moment!
Every single word from both your father and Osil is so true. Sometimes it is so hard for our human, fallible minds to wrap around this glorious love that our Father has for us...for you. But when you stop and quiet your heart and mind and really listen...His message...His promise...His love...is right there! And it always will be...
Just like everyone has said...we must turn our eyes upon our Lord...believe in Him with every breath we take...trust in Him and His promise...and in turn, ALL will be well!
Rest in His promise Val...He will guide you on this journey and will lead you to that "winner's circle"
I pray that you have a safe trip tomorrow...that your chemo this week treats you kindly...that you feel the Lord by your side every minute...that you know we are all here for you! We will see your beautiful, smiling face when you return! God Bless you and your family!
All our Love,
Kerry Randall
Val & Chris,
I spoke to United Airlines this morning and was able with some maneuvering to fly you both directly into Rochester, MN so that you don't have to get transportation from Minneapolis to Rochester. Here are the dates for your travel:
United Airlines
January 29 returning on January 31st.
United will be fedex me 2 paper tickets for you both to arrive at my house on Thursday. As soon as I receive the tickets I will then fedex the paper tickets for you and Chris to your house.
Call me when you read this and I can give you your confirmation # and details.
I hope and pray that your chemo went well yesterday and that you are feeling as good as you did your last round.
Love to you both,
Marianne Rose
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