To: ST.LOUIE1; Billie; dansangel; dutchess; FreeTheHostages; .45MAN; Aeronaut; Aquamarine; azGOPgal; ...

Good morning, FRiends!

If you would like to be added to or removed from the Finest ping list, please freepmail me.

2 posted on 12/08/2004 12:06:45 AM PST by Mama_Bear (Lori)

4 posted on 12/08/2004 1:55:28 AM PST by Aeronaut (May all the feckless become fecked.)

To: Mama_Bear; All

5 posted on 12/08/2004 3:14:26 AM PST by GailA (JESUS is the reason for the season)

To: ST.LOUIE1; Aquamarine; dutchess; Mama_Bear; dansangel; Billie; Aeronaut; deadhead; Diver Dave; ...

December 8, 2004

Bad News?

Read: Psalm 112:1-10

He will not be afraid of evil tidings; his heart is steadfast, trusting in the Lord. —Psalm 112:7

Bible In One Year: Daniel 8-10; 3 John

Several years ago, before cell phones became common, a seminar leader asked the audience, "If someone came into this meeting, called your name, and said, 'You have a phone call,' would you assume that it was good news or bad news?" Most of us admitted we would think it was bad news, but we weren't sure why.

It points out a common burden many people carry—the fear of bad news. It may be a natural concern for the safety of those we love, but it can become an irrational dread of tragedy.

When we are most afraid, we most need confidence in God. Psalm 112 speaks of a person who fears the Lord, delights in His commandments, and is gracious to others (vv.1,4-5). But perhaps most striking is: "He will not be afraid of evil tidings; his heart is steadfast, trusting in the Lord" (v.7).

A hymn by Frances Havergal reminds us that a trusting heart is the answer for a worried mind: "Stayed upon Jehovah, hearts are fully blest; finding, as He promised, perfect peace and rest."

The Bible doesn't promise that we will never receive bad news. But it does assure us that we don't have to live each day in gnawing fear of what might happen. "His heart is established; he will not be afraid" (v.8). —David McCasland

Hidden in the hollow of His blessed hand,
Never foe can follow, never traitor stand;
Not a surge of worry, not a shade of care,
Not a blast of hurry touch the Spirit there. —Havergal

Faith in the living God can take the fear out of living.

6 posted on 12/08/2004 4:10:53 AM PST by The Mayor (If Jesus lives within us, sin need not overwhelm us.)

You have out-done yourself. Again.

This is great. You remind me of --- ME!

Weinie

9 posted on 12/08/2004 4:40:55 AM PST by lonestar (Me, too!--Weinie)

To: Mama_Bear; All; The Mayor; Billie; dansangel; Aquamarine; WVNan; mountaineer; ohioWfan; ...

Lovely thread, MB! Thanks so much, and a merry Wed. to all at the Finest!

10 posted on 12/08/2004 5:48:22 AM PST by Molly Pitcher (We are Americans...the sons and daughters of liberty...*.from FReeper the Real fifi*)

Thank you for today's thread, Lori. It's very pretty and interesting!

11 posted on 12/08/2004 6:44:42 AM PST by tuliptree76

Morning, darlin' fuzzy. Merry Christmas. : )

Beautiful thread....again. LOL

28 posted on 12/08/2004 9:10:27 AM PST by ST.LOUIE1

To: Mama_Bear; Billie

Thank you ((((((Mama_Bear))))))) for a beautiful presentation and an inspiring story. Very little seems to be putting me in the Christmas spirit these days. However, after Billie's wonderful thread yeasterday and your lovely offering today, I feel the stirrings of Christmas spirit coming to life.

Have a blessed day!

36 posted on 12/08/2004 10:50:04 AM PST by dansangel (Thank you Veterans past and present!)

To: Mama_Bear; All

Thank you for the beautiful Finest Thread, MamaBear.

Merry Christmas to everyone at the Finest!!
Hey .... I said Merry Christmas!

37 posted on 12/08/2004 12:01:28 PM PST by JustAmy (Remember our President and our troops in your prayers. God Bless America.)

This was a Beautiful Thread, dear Lori! Thank you!

69 posted on 12/08/2004 9:54:48 PM PST by Kitty Mittens

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