Ready to send!

Tim has been working diligently to perfectly pack our boxes heading to the container in Florida which eventually (God willing) will be shipped to Niger.  There has been a snag recently in the way we ship, as new agents in Niger are now in the customs department and have relinquished the exoneration status of many Non Government Organizations.  Not only that, they are also requiring detailed lists with receipts in French of every single item being shipped before the container leaves the United States. There is still a container that was packed last summer with supplies for the flood relief that has not yet been released from American soil.  Please pray that the new customs agents will recognize that our efforts are to help their people and to look favorably on the containers we send to Niger.  "And my God shall supply (fulfill, make complete) all your needs according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus." Philippians 4:19.  Now to Him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to His power that is at work within us, to Him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations for ever and ever! Amen. (Ephesians 3:20)

He is Sovereign over us

Lately I have been finding a lot to identify with in music.  so much so I am brought to tears.  This song, by Aaron Keyes is a beautiful testimony to God's sovereignty over us, that brings hope in the darkness...

Even in the dark night of the soul
we remember that Our God
has plans to prosper us
and not to harm us.
Not only that, He actively works all things
-- even the schemes of the enemy--
for our good and for His Glory.

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Sovereign over us    by Aaron Keyes

There is strength within the sorrow;                                     (2 Corinthians 1:3-7)

There is beauty in our tears;

And You meet us in our mourning;                                      (Revelation 21:4)

With a love that casts out fear                                                  (1 John 4:18)

You are working in our waiting                                                   (Lamentations 3:25, 26)

You are sanctifying us                                                            (1 Peter 1:2)

 When beyond our understanding;

You're teaching us to trust                                                            (Proverbs 3:5)

Chorus:

Your plans are still to prosper                                                (Jeremiah 29:11)

You've not forgotten us                                                            (Hebrews 13:5 )

You're with us in the fire and the flood;                                     (Exodus 33:14 )

You’re faithful forever perfect in love;                                     (1 John 1:9)

You are sovereign over us;                                                             (Luke 1:33 )

You are wisdom unimagined                       

Who could understand Your ways?                                     (Romans 11:33 )

Reigning high above the heavens                                                  (Matthew 28:18)

Reaching down in endless grace                                                 (Ephesians 2:8-9)

You're the lifter of the lowly ;                                                James 4:6

Compassionate and kind;                                                             Matthew 18:21

You surround and You uphold me;                                                John 7:38

And Your promises are my delight;                                     Acts 3:19

Chorus 2x

Bridge:

Even what the enemy means for evil;                                    2 Corinthians 11:14

You turn it for our good, You turn it for our good ;            Genesis 50:20

And for Your glory;                                                                         John 12:41

Even in the valley You are faithful ;                                     John 18:1-5

You're working for our good ; 

You're working for our good;                                                 John 5:16-17

And for Your glory;                                                                        Romans 8:28

Chorus

You are faithful forever, perfect in love;                                     1 John 1:9

You are sovereign over us;                                                             Luke 1:33

One Day at a Time

....each day is, in a certain sense, a complete life by itself. It has its own duties, its own trial,its own burdens and its own needs. The very best we can do for the perfecting of our life as a whole, is to live the one day well. We should put all our thought and energy and skill into the duty of each day, wasting no strength, either in grieving over yesterday's failures -- or in anxiety about tomorrow's responsibilities." ~ J.R. Miller

I tend to borrow trouble, to think of the worst case scenario in order to brace myself.  Jesus does not advise that at all.  In fact he advises AGAINST it, telling us NOT to worry.  This is actually freeing, I only have to be faithful TODAY.  Then when I wake up tomorrow it will be today again! 

"Seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself.  Each day has enough trouble of its own." ~ Jesus in Sermon on the Mount, Matthew 6:34