How Firm a Foundation

God woke me up this morning, before my alarm went off... i think He wanted me to know that i needed to commune with Him.

As i was getting getting up, i took a deep breath, and felt how easy it was to take a breath (the price of air is still free, not like gasoline). Oh how easy it is to just live and get on with life. But no, my life came with a price; a great sacrifice from Someone that died, and His Father that sent Him, who bore it all.

I sent a letter to an old friend in Indonesia this morning. A friend that I grew up in church with. I told him about my worries, i reminded him about the goodness of our Father in Heaven (please strengthen my prayer by remembering him in your prayer). His name is Elkana. A Bible name. I wasn't sure of the meaning (i knew 'El' was for 'God', but wasn't sure on 'kana'). So i googled... El-kana- "God has purchased". What a wonderful name. To bear that name, as a constant reminder... not just for self but for all mankind. Maybe i'll name my son that one day :)

Someone who knows me well, knows well that i'm not a righteous. If you thought i was, get to know me better. =P But God still calls us worthy, He calls us to be righteous...

"For the righteous falls seven times and rises again, but the wicked stumble in times of calamity." Proverbs 24:16

I tell you the truth that trouble times often cause me to retaliate to God. Lord please help me with that part in my life... "The flame shall not hurt thee, I only design, thy dross to consume, and thy gold to refine" (How Firm a Foundation).

...........

"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?
You, who unto Jesus, for refuge have fled.

“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.

“When through fiery trials thy pathway shall lie,
My grace all-sufficient shall be thy supply;
The flame shall not hurt thee; I only design,
Thy dross to consume, and thy gold to refine.

“The soul that on Jesus hath leaned for repose,
I will not, I cannot, desert to his foes:
That soul, though all hell should endeavor to shake,
I'll never - no, never, no, never forsake!”