323 - “God Is Tender Toward Suffering” I Thessalonians 1-5

                                                   

I Thes 1:1 - Paul says grace to you. Oh, this day, may grace abound in the pounding of our hearts. "For the word of the Lord has sounded forth from you...your faith toward God has gone forth." 

 I Thes 1:8. Is there any other way to truly live? 

 May the words of my mouth this day, 

this urgent matter at hand, 

may it be the Word, 

may my faith be known, 

not my dilemma.

For we have all turned to God from idols to serve a living and true God. And wait for Him. I'm not waiting on any man. I Thes 1:9.  Not waiting on any report.  Those are just words on a paper.  I have the true Word, the Living Word. 

And we accept this Word for what it truly is. The Word of God. Not the word of man.

Hope for a new chapter.  Hope for a better me.  Hope for new strength.  

I Thes 4:11 that you make it your ambition to lead a quiet life, and to do your own business ...

"It is very desirable to have a calm and quiet temper, and to be of a peaceable and quiet behaviour. Satan is busy to trouble us; and we have in our hearts what disposes us to be unquie; therefore let us study to be quiet." 

I think about this verse like every day. Am I moving quiet in my mind? Am I living quiet in my heart?

The news came swift on that day —- December 13, 2013 —-  and as sudden as the day closed, a newly diagnosed tumor. I was prepared for it as I went through the door of the oncologist's office. I knew. I'll visit a surgeon today. I did. The surgeon says it is nothing to be concerned about. That was exactly 10 years ago. I'm still here.   

PHOTO: Walked this pensive Pacific shore. Make it my own business to lead a quiet life.