Acacia Wood

I know I just posted the other day, But I went to a bridal shower this weekend and a sister in Christ gave this as the conclusion to her devotion and what a beautiful picture it was of God's grace and work in peoples lives!
So here it is ! Enjoy!

Let me give you an illustration from my life as a missionary child in West Africa. In November 1969 a British expedition passed through Niamey, Niger, on its way down the Niger River. One of our missionaries had heard that one of the members aboard was a born-again Christian, so when the group arrived in the capital city Niamey he contacted this man. His name was Dr. Hepper and he was from the Royal Botanical Gardens, Kew, England. They asked him to come to visit our mission station and to take all the missionary children in our little two room school on a nature walk or field trip to point out the various plants and trees found in Niger, which is on the edge of the Sahara Desert. As we were walking, he stopped, pointed out one of our trees and said, "This is an acacia tree. It was of this species that God told Moses to use in building of the Tabernacle. It is a very hard wood, yet very light and could easily be covered in gold and still be carried without too much difficulty." Acacia wood would have been plentiful and quite accessible where the Israelites were camping in the desert.” One of my teachers got a funny look on her face and said, "You know, just the other day I asked an African man what that type of tree was good for and he replied, 'NOTHING'"!" Isn't that just like God! To take something that in the eyes of man is worthless and use it to raise up unto Himself a Tabernacle in the wilderness - to take that wood, shape it, cover it with gold and make it a pillar in the Holy of Holies where he housed His Glory! And, what an illustration of what God wants to do our lives today. We are nothing. But God can take a worthless sinner and strip off the bark of our own self-righteousness, save us, clothe us with the righteousness of Christ Himself, and make our bodies a temple for the Holy Spirit of God Himself to dwell in and reflect His glory! (See Revelation 3:10) So, keep God as your first love, making all your plans based upon His word, apply yourself to diligently work out the plans you make together, trusting God's providence along the way...and persevere, knowing that it is God who is at work in you and He promises to complete what He has begun. I look forward to seeing what God is going to do in and through you and Ryan in the years to come. May God bless your house, may He fill you with His joy in all your diligent doings, and may He make you perseveringly fruitful unto His glory.


* I tried to get a picture of an acacia bowl because they are beautiful but I don't know how to attach it here sooo check out the picture on target.com in the kitchen section. Search : acacia bowl :)

By His Grace

Malachi 3:3 A Refiners Fire

Several years ago a friend emailed this to me and it was a great encouragement to me .
I thought I would put it up here and see what you all thought.

Some time ago a few ladies met to study the scriptures. While reading the 3rd chapter of Malachi they came upon a remarkable statement.

Malachi 3:3
“He shall sit as a refiner and purifier of silver.”

One of the ladies decided to visit a silversmith, and report back to the ladies on what he said about the subject. She went accordingly, and with out telling the silversmith the reason for her visit she asked him to tell her about the process of refining silver.

After he had fully described it to her, she asked, “Sir, do you have to watch while the work of refining is going on?” “Oh yes ma’am,” replied the silversmith. “I must sit and watch the furnace constantly, for, if the necessary time for the refining is exceeded in the slightest degree the silver will be injured.”

The Lady at once saw the beauty and comfort of the statement, ‘”He shall sit as a refiner and purifier of silver.” God sees it as necessary to put His children into the furnace – but, His eye is steadily intent on the work of purifying and His wisdom and love are both engaged in the best manner for us. Our trials do not come at random, and He will not let us be tempted beyond what we are able to endure.( 1 Corinthians 10:13).

Before she left, the lady asked one final question, “How do you know when the process is finished?” “Oh that’s simple,” replied the silversmith…….”When I can see my own image in the silver, the refining process is complete”

God promises in His word He will be with us wherever we go! (Joshua 1:9)

Hope this encouraged you too!!
By His Grace

I have a longer post coming on A meek and quiet spirit but I am not at peace with what I have right now so it'll have to wait [ God must have some change in mind that I need to make to the post :) ]