Hello dear friends!
The past couple of weeks my husband and I have had
the joy and the privilege of keeping our oldest daughters
three boys and enjoying them one-on-one!
They are certainly growing up and showing forth
their own individual character traits and qualities.
While busy with my boys I left the computer to itself
and have not been around to visit your loveliness.
I look forward to catching up with you soon.
~~~***~~~
This past week, my dear Uncle Spike (dads brother),
was called home to glory.
Uncle Spike held a very special place in my life;
for it was he who took the time to tell me about my Savior, Jesus Christ.
Uncle Spike was concerned for the salvation of my soul
and through his love and concern I put my faith and trust in Christ 33 years ago.
Uncle Spike loved the Lord and was not ashamed of the Gospel;
his desire was to share Christ with those whom God brought into his life.
"For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ:
for it is the power of God unto salvation
to every one that believeth;
to the Jew first, and also the Greek."
(Romans 1:16)
During the last days of Uncle Spikes life
he was on hospice; yet, he still had that joy and laughter
in his heart with a smile that warmed your soul.
His hope was in Christ, and it was evident in his life
as he passed from this life into glory.
~~~***~~~
In the early years of my life, after placing my faith in Christ,
I would call on Uncle Spike with numerous questions
while spending time reading the Scriptures.
My heart longed to have a deeper intimacy with Christ
through the study of His word.
Oh there was so much that I wanted to know,
learn and understand but it wasn't coming fast enough.
I can still remember my Uncle laughing on the other end of the phone
during those phone calls. He knew that every believer
hungered for the Truth after salvation took place
and that's what I was doing.
He encouraged me to use Bible dictionaries, concordances
and other Bible references to study
and dig deeper into the Word of God.
Uncle Spike made an impact on my Spiritual walk with the Lord
through his instruction, encouragement and inspiration.
I will for-ever be grateful for his love towards me.
Many times when I write a post, I will share with you
things I find through dictionaries and other study helps;
I guess I'm passing along to you some of that inspiration that was passed on to me.
~~~***~~~
"A merry heart doeth good like a medicine;
but a broken spirit drieth the bones."
(Proverbs 17:22)
~*~
"A sound heart is the life of the flesh." (Proverbs 14:30b)
The English Standard Version uses the word "Tranquil heart"
Tranquil in the dictionary is ~
Free from agitation, serene, free from disturbance or turmoil, quiet, steady, stable.
"Flesh" a healthy mind filled with wisdom
is associated with a healthy body.
A cheerful heart causes good health.
"It will be health to your flesh,
and strength to your bones." (Proverbs 3:8)
The inner parts, the renewal of the marrow is strength to the bones.
"His breasts are full of milk,
and his bones are moistened with marrow." (Job 21:24)
God promises well-being for those who live
wisely according to His will.
But sorrows of the mind can contribute
to the sickness of the body.
A broken spirit, sunk by the burden of afflictions
can dry up the bones, eating away at the marrow.
~*~
I found myself thinking of how
David forfeited such physical well-being before he confessed
that he had sinned against Bathsheba and Uriah.
David knew that his sin was against God foremost.
"Against thee, thee only, have I sinned
and done this evil in thy site." (Psalm 51:4a)
~ You may want to read about Davids repentive heart in your own time ~
(Psalm 32:3-4 & Psalm 51)
~*~
The spirit of a man will sustain his infirmity;
but a wounded spirit who can bear." (Proverbs 18:14)
A mans spirits sustains him in sickness, but a crushed spirit who can bear.
Having a "crushed spirit" causes one to loose hope.
Therefore, we should strive to have the right attitude (a merry heart)
in all manner of life.
We all have people in our lives who struggle with sickness and weakness; yet,
do you find that many times when you pay them a visit
they are the ones who cheer you?
"Cheer" in the dictionary ~ is the State of mind or heart: spirit,
( be of good cheer) Rejoice, (likely to dispel gloom or worry)
State of mind or heart ~ I like that.
Right heart attitudes ~
will put a smile on our face ~ hope in our hearts ~ praise on our lips ~
and beautifies us with the joy of the Lord.
When we have the right heart attitude through focusing on Christ
and the promises found in His Word,
those attributes are sure to flow from our own hearts onto others
bringing encouragement to those
who may be experiencing a broken or crushed spirit.
When we allow the Spirit of God to flow through our own hearts,
God is the One who receives all the honor and glory
and lives are touched in ways we may never know this side of Eternity.
The beauty of the Lord will fall on those with a crushed spirit,
as we allow ourselves to be used by the hand of God.
To God be the glory!
"The light of the eyes rejoiceth the heart:
but a good report maketh the bones fat". (Proverbs 15:30)
A "good report" or good news ~
offers sound truth and wisdom
that stirs the heart by relieving anxiety
and producing a cheerful face.
It is Christ and our relationship with Him that causes us to have
that state of mind and cheerful heart in all our afflictions.
A merry heart, high spirits and lightheartedness
brings us joy no matter what we may be facing
and should cause us to spread that joy with a cheerful heart onto others.
The Lord is for the body, and provides for it not only meat, but medicine.
God wants us to have a merry heart that rejoices in Him.
When we look to and lean on Jesus and the promises found in His Word,
He will be faithful in providing for our every need
through His Spirit, and by His grace.
But sorrows of the mind can contribute
to the sickness of the body.
A broken spirit, sunk by the burden of afflictions
can dry up the bones, eating away at the marrow.
These verses are telling us that there is a basic relationship
between our mental attitude and our physical well-being.
What we allow into our hearts
has a direct bearing on our physical health.
~~~***~~~
Precious Lord Jesus,
cause us to keep our minds set upon You and Your Word,
so as to live our days with a merry heart
rejoicing in You and Your promises.
May we have hearts filled with joy
and praise on our lips
for Your glory.
Amen.
Be Gracious!
~ Debbie ~
