September 29, 2017 Psalm 145:14-19 The God Who Holds Me Up

The Lord upholds all who fall,

And raises up all who are bowed down.

The eyes of all look expectantly to You,

And You give them their food in due season.

You open Your hand

And satisfy the desire of every living thing.

The Lord is righteous in all His ways,

Gracious in all His works.

The Lord is near to all who call upon Him,

To all who call upon Him in truth.

He will fulfill the desire of those who fear Him;

He also will hear their cry and save them.

Psalm 145:14-19 NKJV

Yesterday I had the opportunity to preach my senior sermon before the ministers and elders of the Canadian Presbytery. This was sustained--I passed that with great words of encouragement given to me.

Then, in the afternoon, I failed 3 of the 4 parts of my oral exam. The door to ordained ministry in the A.R.P. has been closed for me. Gently, but firmly. Then, this morning, these beautiful words were part of my devotions. The LORD really is near to all who call on Him. He fulfills the desire of those who fear Him. My one desire is to be faithful to Him. I long to serve Jesus, whether or not I am a minister, I am His.

While I grieve the closed doorway to what had long been a dream of mine, to be restored to the ministry, I can only say: LORD, I am Yours. Do with me as You will. I am prepared to go where You send me next.

Today is the first day of my new life. Who knows what God will have in store for me from here on out. Thanks be to God for the gift of a wonderful wife, my strong partner and friend. Together we will delight in all God's rich blessings as we seek out what is next.

My mouth shall speak the praise of the LORD--each morning I will bless His Name, every night I call call on Him alone. Thank you for Your great love, shown most perfectly in Jesus Christ. Thank You that no matter my joys or my sorrows, riches or poverty, strengths or weaknesses of my life, by the power of Your Spirit I am yours and You will hold me up in Your tender care. Bless the LORD, O my soul, bless Him all my inmost being. Amen.