Exaltation

“Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will exalt you”
- James 4:9–10

The quality of exaltation is the exact opposite, a strong antithesis, to the quality of humiliation. In exaltation, dignity is not only restored, but it is crowned with the glory that only God can bestow...the promise of participating in the exaltation of Christ is given to every believer — but there is a catch. There is a warning, and that warning is clear: unless we are willing to participate in the humiliation of Jesus, we would have no reason to expect ever to participate in His exaltation. But that is the crown that is set before us, that we, who have no right to everlasting glory and honor, will nevertheless receive it because of what has been achieved in our stead by our perfect Redeemer. - R. C. Sproul

“The greatest among you shall be your servant. Whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and whoever humbles himself will be exalted” (vv. 11–12).
- Matthew 23:5–12

In common language, the terms exaltation and humiliation stand as polar opposites. One of the most magnificent glories of God’s revealed truth and most poignant ironies is that in the cross of Christ these two polar opposites merge and are reconciled. In His humiliation, we find our exaltation. Our shame is replaced by His glory. The songwriter had it right when he wrote, “My sinful self, my only shame, my glory, all the cross.   -R. C. Sproul

“Far above all rule and authority and power and dominion, and above every name that is named, not only in this age but also in the one to come” (Eph. 1:21).
- Ephesians 1:21

God promises to exalt us one day and make us to reign with Christ (2 Tim. 2:12; Rev. 20:4). However, this exaltation does not come as the result of the exertion of our own power, but results from humility. Only those who submit to God humbly, admitting that He alone has authority over us, will enjoy this exaltation. We submit to this authority by repenting of our sin, all of which seeks to usurp God’s rightful rule over us. Therefore, humble yourself in repentance today.  -R. C. Sproul

Good Morning & Good Night

Maggie McClure: Good Morning & Good Night

 

James 1:17
Every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights. 

Good morning & good night!  Praise God for all the perfect blessings he showers on us daily.  From the time we climb out of  bed, until we can rest our heads on our soft pillows again God's love is poured out on our lives. 

God has sent down thousands of opportunities and blessings daily.  I am praying that we become alert to the loveliness around us each morning and each night. 

Romans 8:28a
We know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him. 

Storms

"It is not the severity of the storm you should be worried about, but rather how you weather it.  Pain, shattered dreams, disappointments, financial struggles, and losses are all a part of the cycle of life...you can either embrace your pain and squeeze the life out of it, or give in to it and allow it to consume you.  You have a choice."  -Michelle McKinney Hammond

I was having my time of Bible study and prayer today and found myself reading about Ruth. 

Ruth's bravery was incredible...she left her home, her friends, her family, and as a gentile, she traveled with Naomi to Israel where she knew she would face rejection. 

Ruth had nothing.  No husband, none of her friends or the comforts of home...no job. 

Ruth did not give up.  Ruth did not play the victim.  Ruth looked beyond herself and focused on the needs of her mother-in-law.  Ruth was able to gain the right perspective and attain a realistic view of her circumstances. 

In spite of the hardships Ruth faced, she displayed a grateful attitude and worked very hard.  Instead of complaining or being resentful, she walked in grace and patience.  In His time, God blessed Ruth's efforts. 

I am praying that God helps me, and the readers of my blog, to successfully weather the storms of life.  I am praying that we find our 'Rainbow Connection' and pursue God's will in our lives. 

Lamentations 3:21-23, NASB
"This I recall to my mind, Therefore I have hope.
The Lord's lovingkindnesses indeed never cease,
For his compassions never fail.
They are new every morning; Great is Your faithfulness"

Lancaster

Psalm 23

¹ The Lord is my shepherd, I lack nothing.
²     He makes me lie down in green pastures,
he leads me beside quiet waters,
³     he refreshes my soul.
He guides me along the right paths
    for his name’s sake.
⁴ Even though I walk
    through the darkest valley,^[a]
I will fear no evil,
    for you are with me;
your rod and your staff,
    they comfort me.

⁵ You prepare a table before me
    in the presence of my enemies.
You anoint my head with oil;
    my cup overflows.
⁶ Surely your goodness and love will follow me
    all the days of my life,
and I will dwell in the house of the Lord
    forever.

 

When I think of green pastures, I think of Lancaster.  I remember family vacations exploring the farmlands and learning about the peaceful way of life of the Amish. 

 

I remember driving up through Lancaster with Sarah Rausch, meeting our best friend Judith Allen. 

 

I can never forget the pungent small of the many dairy farms, and the lovely taste of Hershey chocolate from Lancaster. 

 

Today, when I'm doing my work, I will be snacking on my new favorite treat:  Lancaster Caramels