Grace Abounding

I have been out of commission for almost two weeks. Had all my glands to swell and have been having therapy. I am much better but still have a ways to go. But the Lord is good, so good! I am reminded where Jesus told His disciples that He was with them but now "But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you. Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you . Let not your heart be troubled,neither let it be afraid." John 14:25-27 All that Jesus was to His disciples in their day, the Holy Spirit is to us today. I am so glad for the Holy Spirit that leads and guides us into all truth. He is always there to help us no matter what we face. He walks along with us and gives us peace and strength and grace to face whatever comes. He never leaves us or forsakes us. I am made to realize more than ever how much I need His help. Spiritually, physically and mentally. I have just finish reading the book "Abounding Grace to the Chiefest of Sinners" by Paul Bunyan. I know most of you have read Pilgrims Progress by Paul Bunyan. I can identify with some things on his Christian journey as he travels through life. I'm sure you can, too. But Abounding Grace is his struggle to find God. Seems the devil tortured him every step of the way. I could not put the book down. I had read it before but it had been years. He suffered so much as a sinner. The devil made him think he had crossed the dead line and there was no hope for him. But in his struggles he found what he was looking for. Forgiveness for the chiefest of sinners. He still struggled as a Christian. But God was preparing him to write the greatest book next to the Bible, Pilgrims Progress. We never know what the Lord is preparing us to do as we have struggles and trials in our Christian life. For me I know it is not to write a great book that will help millions through the years, but if I can make a difference in someones life, in whatever small way it may be, then I will have done what I could. Will I be satisfied? If I have done my best. The question is: "Is He satisfied with me? I have been taking time to read more books that will lift me up spiritually and as I do I get under conviction. That has sent me to prayer. I realize my need of getting closer to the Lord and being used of Him. To do that I need more of the Holy Spirits guidance and being sensitive to His leadership. I don't know where He will lead, but I know He will never lead me astray. I don't know how He is working ~ but I can trust Him to do what is right for me and those I pray for. Anytime we say we are going to draw nigh to Him, the devil puts his forces out. I am no match for him, but I serve One who is. I need to keep reminding myself of this fact. The devil wants to put us on the run by getting discouraged, depressed, what will tomorrow bring? I have no idea what the tomorrow, and the tomorrow after that will bring. I am reminded where the scripture says, "Sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof." Matthew 6:34 We have enough to face today, let's not worry about tomorrow. Another scripture says "My grace is sufficient for thee~"

2Corinthians 12:9

THE TWO SUFFICIENTS

Evil shall pass with the day that brought it,

As the sea is stayed by the barrier land:

When the Giver of Good shall say, "No farther,"

And bid the foe-man restrain his hand;

But the grace of the Lord outstays the evil,

Outlasts the darkness, outruns the morn,

Out watches the stars in their nightly vigil,

And the foe that returns with the day re-born,

As he left it unwearied, shall find it unworn.

Annie Johnson flint

I have another book by Paul Bunyan, The Holy War, which I am going to read next. These books are old. The re-printing of Grace Abounding was 1907. Pilgrims Progress, I found at a flea market in Pennsylvania years ago. I had several paper backs that I have read through the years. But this one is hard-back with picture illustrations. I have been a book collector through the years because I love to read. I looked at my shelves one day and thought, am I going to read these? If not, why not get rid of them? But a book, to me, is like a friend. I can't part with them.

So, I started reading and am enjoying it. What have you read lately?