tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-629287253018747032024-02-06T20:44:43.085-08:00A Window for WomenNorma Whitcombhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10210698104846091033noreply@blogger.comBlogger155125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-62928725301874703.post-83577106720861557002018-11-14T13:27:00.001-08:002018-11-14T13:39:23.602-08:00A Thanksgiving Thought 2018<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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“Let us offer the sacrifice of praise to God, giving thanks to His name.<span class="s1"></span></div>
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<span class="s1"><span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Heb. 13:15<span class="Apple-tab-span"> </span></span></div>
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<span class="s1">God’s good hand provides everything that we need and much more every day! What is at the top of your “thanks list” to God? Things or God Himself? Health or God’s treasures? Happiness or His joy? And the list goes on.</span></div>
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<span class="s1">The NIV instructs us in verses 16, 17, and 18 of 1 Thess. 5 how to be able to offer paeans of thankfulness: “Be joyful always, pray <i>continually</i>” and one more, “give thanks <b>in all</b> circumstances.”<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Ouch! How? We can thank Him for His presence and strength that will carry us through the deepest distress. Remember: God is not dead. At the same time remember:<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>God has purposes to be accomplished, and for us to accomplish, that are beyond our wildest comprehension.</span></div>
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<span class="s1">James McDonald’s commentary presents in Romans 8:28 that a Christian ought to be able to “praise the Lord at all times, in all circumstance, and for everything…” (Believer’s Bible Commentary). Ouch! The Holy Spirit is helping me work on that!<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></div>
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<span class="s1"><b>Giving thanks to God should be the Christian’s natural emotion. NAW</b></span></div>
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<span class="s1">God provides us with wisdom, strength, power, infinite love, and unmerited grace. He also gives us talents and abilities to enjoy things of this life. Don’t forget. Every mercy He gives increases our obligation to thank Him. Thanksgiving is never out of season!</span></div>
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<span class="s1"><i>“A paraplegic, wheeling himself among the busy crowd was asked how he could sing in his condition. He answered with a smile, ‘When I stopped [thinking] at what I had lost and concentrated on all I had left, I found much for which I could rejoice and be happy.’ ”</i></span></div>
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<span class="s1"><i>Martin Rinckart, the German author of “Now Thank We All Our God,” lost his wife in the severe epidemic of 1637. He was driven to despair to find food and clothes for his children. Yet he triumphed to pen, “O may this bounteous God thro’ all our life be near us, with ever joyful hearts, and blessed peace to cheer us.” The first stanza expresses God’s “countless gifts of love.” The last stanza is a doxology of praise to the “all powerful, eternal, triune God.”</i></span></div>
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<span class="s1"><b><i>The grand finale: “To God be the glory—great things He hath done.”<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></i></b></span></div>
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Norma Whitcomb<br />
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<span class="s1"><i>(Excerpts from Norma Whitcomb’s 2015 Blog)</i></span></div>
<br />Norma Whitcombhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10210698104846091033noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-62928725301874703.post-57078273185779085812016-12-19T05:10:00.000-08:002016-12-19T05:10:15.979-08:00The Light<br />
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Isn’t Christmas a delightfully joyous time of the year! Glowing, radiant, bright, shining lights illumine our eyes, hearts, minds, and emotions as at no other time. If that were all there was to it, we could be most miserable of all women in the midst of the frivolity. All could be dull, dim, obscure and life could be meaningless.<br />
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But there is more! So much more! Jesus made a grand statement in the temple. He declared, “I am the Light of the world” (John 8:12). But the glorious Light was rejected by the majority, and dimness and dullness has hovered over the earth ever since.<br />
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I would like to make a practical application which has been my recent experience due to our move to this cozy apartment. Our large home had porches that hindered the sunlight from shining on our hard wood floors. The sunlight streams in on the dark bamboo floors of our present home exposing dust that I don’t see on overcast days and I’m mortified. The lesson for me from this often repeated experience keeps me on my spiritual tip- toes. What do we do with the uncleanness in our hearts that the light of God’s Word continually exposes? “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness” (1 John 1:9). When the sunlight reveals dust on my floor, I run for the mop. Lord, please help us to be as quick to run to you and your word for the cleansing process to our dirty hearts. “ The Lord is my light and my salvation…” (Psa. 27:1)<br />
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Dear friends, it is with regret that I am taking a leave from posting my blog. Since I ask the Lord to pass the lessons through the grid of my heart, I have profited so much from preparing them; even to the point of occasionally going back to old blogs for refreshment, correction, and challenge. I have other accomplishments to pursue and I can’t do them all at this time.<br />
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May God’s love, peace, and blessing be yours. <br />
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<i>Norma Whitcomb</i><br />
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<i><br /></i>Norma Whitcombhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10210698104846091033noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-62928725301874703.post-3273526733233652052016-11-10T11:25:00.003-08:002016-11-10T11:25:23.743-08:00Help from Above<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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“For I, the Lord thy God, will hold thy right hand, saying unto thee, ‘Fear not, I will help thee’ (Isaiah 41:13). <br />
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How personal! The eternal God of Heaven, the all powerful Creator of the universe, our personal Father dwelling above, is holding your and my hand. Unthinkable apart from the fact that He is “I am who I am.” Stop everything for a bit, sit down and ask the Holy Spirit to reveal that blessed assurance to you. —————- (Pause) Did you? I did.<br />
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In fact, I have been thriving on such promises all my life, but especially since June. For at least one year it has been obvious that we had to simplify our lives by downsizing. My husband’s large study containing more than 2,000 books was his challenge, but the rest of the large, functional household has been mine, and there is no way to describe the numerous ways in which God has fulfilled His promises to give wisdom and strength for the task at hand.<br />
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In the midst of big question marks our Lord does not leave us in a quandary nor confusion. As I have stood in a room or opened a file drawer I have sent many SOSs to my Father. “Where do I start? What am I to do with all this stuff?” Where He leads us, He will direct and help us. There have been difficulties as well as physical weaknesses, but God has supported us. We have been confident that He holds us by <br />
His strong right hand.<br />
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I want you to catch the fact that this is not to be so much about us as it is about God who is our strong Helper. He will be just that in every circumstance of life as you take Him into your situations. He rejoices when you do that. He yearns that you do that. He is your Father and He wants to take that responsibility. Perhaps you are in need at this very moment. Weak? In difficulty? Oppressed? His strength is made perfect in your weakness. His strength is glorified in your weakness. He will strengthen you with His powerful right hand of righteousness and bundle you up in His strong everlasting arms. All in answer to your believing, prevailing prayer.<br />
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He has promised and He will surely do it.<br />
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<i>“Fear not, I am with thee, O be not dismayed! </i><br />
<i>Lo, I am thy God, and will still give thee aid!</i><br />
<i>I’ll strengthen thee, help thee, and cause thee to stand,</i><br />
<i>Upheld by my righteous, omnipotent hand.”</i><br />
<br />Norma Whitcombhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10210698104846091033noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-62928725301874703.post-60739472083662531232016-10-03T08:37:00.003-07:002016-10-03T08:37:43.021-07:00Faith Tested<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Has your faith been stretched lately? Maybe right now? God has a purpose for those fiery ordeals. You know that, don’t you? Peter makes a bold statement. He advises us that the trial of our faith is precious. It is so precious that is exceeds the worth of gold! Stop and think about that. Let it go through the grid of your mind as well as your heart. Look at your ring, your watch, your necklace, your jewelry box. Which do you treasure most? Faith or shiny metal? Which do we want people to be attracted to? Our faith or our jewelry? God’s Word presents a short but penetrating statement: “WITHOUT FAITH IT IS IMPOSSIBLE TO PLEASE GOD” (Heb. 11:6). I’m so thankful that God directed me to these thoughts today.( I need to consider them, myself)<br />
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Can you believe it? This article, which I have edited, came in today’s mail. Scientists have discovered that gold veins can be produced in a few tenths of a second. “Veins of gold are produced when molten rock flowing through cracks (caused by earthquakes) deep in the earth depressurize rapidly, causing the minerals and metals to precipitate out. … During the Flood of Noah’s day there would have been intense earthquake activity, which would have produced gold in a flash.”<br />
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The Book describes Heaven as a place where gold is commonplace. The streets are paved with it! In our ignorance we sometimes place value on things that turn out to be of little value. Our desires overtake us. If we are believing Christians, the Holy Spirit yearns to direct and correct us.<br />
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Not for a minute am I implying that owning and wearing gold is out of place. I enjoy wearing gold, but which do I cherish most — the opportunity to encourage someone in their walk with the Lord, or my jewelry? I trust you don’t think this is too nitty-gritty. To me it is very important as I turn the searchlight onto my heart.<br />
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Why does God permit fiery ordeals? For reasons known only to Him. Trials do prove the genuineness of our faith and they certainly do prove the adequacy of God. Rather than asking “why,” we trustingly acquiesce, knowing that our Father is loving and wise. “Faith keeps us confident and holds us steady, because we know that ‘manifold trials’ (1 Pet. 1:6 - ASV) are always matched by the ‘manifold grace of God’” (1 Pet. 4:10 - KJV). Source unknown. Don’t miss it: “Manifold trials are always matched by the manifold grace of God.”<br />
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“You may find it difficult to sing when overcome by buffeting. Rest in the sovereignty of God’s rest like you rest on a soft couch. Relax in Jesus. Trust the Father to do exceeding abundantly for those who trust Him. Claim Romans 8:28.<br />
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God holds the whole wide world in His hands, yet He knows the number of hairs on our head. He cares when a sparrow falls, yet the price He paid for the redemption of one of us is greater than all the sparrows of the world. Would He forsake you or me — His priceless ones? No! A thousand times, No!!!! Rest on His promise: “I will never, absolutely never, assuredly never leave nor forsake you!!!” (Heb. 13:5). Emphasis as in the Greek.Norma Whitcombhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10210698104846091033noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-62928725301874703.post-80093152973071365012016-09-06T09:27:00.000-07:002016-09-06T09:27:59.754-07:00BLESSED ARE THE PURE IN HEART<br />
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“Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see God,” Matthew 5:8. Promise. Hope. Peace of heart, mind, and soul. That is what we Christian women absolutely need these days, isn’t it? It is ours for the taking. Let’s dwell here for awhile.<br />
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Why do we struggle when God offers us such an awesome blessing? People all around us are hurting deeply. Maybe you are one; or one of your family members.<br />
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I am still lingering in Isaiah for my daily study these days. Just think! Thousands of years ago God, through the the Holy Spirit, inspired Isaiah to pen exactly what you and I need today.<br />
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Let’s look at Matthew 5:8 for a moment before delving into Isaiah. Jesus took His disciples aside and warned them about the temptations that they would face for following Him—mourning, hunger, and persecution. Not fame and fortune, ease and pleasure, not to be a socialite and gain prestige. The beatitudes tell us that we are blessed. Jesus used the word “blessed” to mean the experience of hope and joy, independent of outward circumstances. Jesus explained that His kingdom and the worldly kingdoms differ immensely. What are we living for? Selfishness or sacrifice, pride or humility, self-sacrifice or lust for monetary gain? What are we striving for? How do we qualify to receive God’s blessing?<br />
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The 30th chapter of Isaiah causes us to examine our own “manner of life” as we read about God’s dealings with Judah. Verse one immediately catches our attention with the penetrating word “Woe.” What is the red flag? The Lord declares it to be independence from Him. “Woe …to those who carry out plans that are not mine.” In our dilemma and searching for answers, we seek advice from everyone but God. We search for comfort, advice, relief, hoping to find an easy way out of our troubles. God yearns that we consult Him. He says, “Come unto me, all ye that labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest” ( Matt.11:28). Note the assurance of verse18, “Yet the Lord longs to be gracious to you…Blessed are all who wait for Him.” Yes, He gives help in emergencies, but He longs to be our Helper and Guide throughout our lives. When we do it His way, we have a bond with God that provides ceaseless stability, even when we hurt.<br />
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Carefully note Isaiah 30: 15-19. The sovereign Lord made it clear to His people that they would have had salvation, quietness, rest, and strength if they had turned to Him. They said, “No, we will seek our own means.” For that, the Lord struck His people with the bread of adversity and the water of affliction.<br />
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Friends, I am writing this from my heart, but I don’t feel that I am adequately expressing myself. This particular study in Isaiah has hit me just where I need it, because I’m one, who, at times, rushes ahead of God to be “Mrs. Fix It.” I don’t mean to be. I’m well aware of the fact that God wants me to lean only on Him. It just happens before I know it. (I am learning.) PTL! Only as we come to God in quietness and trust can we experience God’s grand design. We have nothing to say but thank you. Yes, I really believe that. I pray you do to.<br />
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We go to Him in prayer and God comes to us with fulfillment of His promises to teach us and guide us during hard times. It is that we might grow in His image and thus glorify Him. <br />
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In closing, note that God reminds us of His abundant graciousness as well as His compassion, justice, and patience when we wait on Him (verse 18).<br />
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And now a quote from my Life Application Study Bible: “The Lord gave his people the bread of adversity…but he promised to be with them, teach them, and guide them during hard times. God expects a lot from us and many times following him can be painful; but he always acts out of his love for us. The next time you go through a difficult time, try to appreciate the experience and grow from it.” <br />
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“How quickly we organize our lives around human advice [or our own ideas] when dealing with our problems while we neglect God’s eternal promises…Satan tries to confuse or deceive us. People don’t necessarily need to be sinful to be ineffective for God: they need only be confused about what God wants. To avoid Satan’s deceit, study God’s Word carefully and regularly. When you know what God says, you will not fall for Satan’s lies” (LASBible). <br />
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Norma speaking as a result of recent experiences: let God lead. Cooperate with Him. His way is perfect.Norma Whitcombhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10210698104846091033noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-62928725301874703.post-25749676347377390002016-08-19T03:00:00.000-07:002016-08-19T03:00:15.323-07:00Thought 98<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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"God does not direct year by year, nor even day by day, but step by step my path unfolds; my Lord directs the way. Tomorrow's plans I do not know, I only know this minute. But He will say, "This is the way, by faith now walk ye in it." And when tomorrow comes, His grace shall far exceed its care. What need to worry then, or fret? The God who gave His Son holds all my moments in His hand and gives them one by one."Norma Whitcombhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10210698104846091033noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-62928725301874703.post-82322370775969652562016-08-15T03:00:00.000-07:002016-08-15T03:00:00.148-07:00Thought 97<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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"When peace like a river attendeth my way. When sorrows like sea billows roll. Whatever my lot, you have taught me to say, 'It is well, it is well with my soul.' " Yes Lord. "Be still and know that I am God" (Psa. 46:10).Norma Whitcombhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10210698104846091033noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-62928725301874703.post-44374174842818529572016-08-12T03:00:00.000-07:002016-08-12T03:00:18.080-07:00Thought 96<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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What is troubling your heart at this moment? Remember when trouble comes to threaten your peace, your Peacemaker is ready and longingly waiting to help you. He has made a promise that He will keep you in perfect peace when your mind is stayed on Him (cf. Isa. 26:3).Norma Whitcombhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10210698104846091033noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-62928725301874703.post-2113652876868992862016-08-08T12:40:00.001-07:002016-08-08T12:40:51.851-07:00 CONTENTMENT IN RETIREMENT ~ Part 4<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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While the three previous blogs have focused on the outer person, this blog is primarily going to focus on contentment within the heart, and the mind, and the soul of a woman. God’s word will be our main source of instruction. There is nothing else so reliable or penetrating, is there? So we will approach our study seriously, won’t we?<br />
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We seniors develop strange mind sets, habits, thoughts, and ideas; and we get “set in our ways,” which absorbs our lifestyle. In some cases it crowds God out. That is dangerous and should never be. The Word of God must become our lifeline. That takes discipline and lots of it. The termites of life hinder us from gazing on Christ.<br />
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Question. How can we rectify that? If we have become absorbed by filling our previous multiple workaholic activities with multiple time-filler activities — even profitable activities — it is possible that love for God and His penetrating Word has been squeezed to second or third place. If that has happened, we must, by God’s help, change our ways. There are ways to do that. Following is one suggestion.<br />
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The book of Philippians stabs my heart and punctures my soul every time I open to it. I am there often. It is not normal to stay on spiritual track without God’s help is it? Note God’s encouragements and challenges: 2:5 “Your attitude should be that of…”; 3:13 “Forgetting those things…”; 4:4 “Rejoice …”; 4:12 “I have learned.…” These are a few from my readily available written out list that I often refer to. Perhaps you would like to turn to the references to complete these helpful reminders. How rich! How challenging! Why not set the knitting needles and the golf clubs aside and dig deep into the beneficial riches of God’s Word.<br />
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I have another list from 1st, 2nd, and 3rd Peter. You can do the same with any Bible book. This time I have made statements rather than quoting verses. I Pet 1:3, We have an inheritance in the Lord Jesus Christ. 1:5, We are shielded by God’s power. 1:14, Do not conform to evil desires.<br />
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Seniors often say, “I am so busy now that I have retired. I don’t know how I did it all before.” For me that puts up a bright red flag that spells inventory time.<br />
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Andrew Murray’s account is extremely impressive. He wrote,<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
“I was very much struck a time ago in an infant school examination, with the practice a little class in object lessons was put through. A picture was shown them, which they were told to look at carefully. They then had to shut their eyes and take time to think and remember everything they had seen. The picture was now removed and the little ones had to tell all they could remember. Again the picture was shown, and they had to try and notice what they had not observed before; again to shut their eyes and think, and again to tell what more they had noticed. And so once more, until every line of the picture had been taken in. As I looked at the keen interest with which the little eyes now gazed on the picture, and then were pressed so tightly shut as they tried to realize, and take in, and keep what they had been looking at, I felt that if our Bible reading were more of such an object lesson, the unseen spiritual realities pictured to us in the Word would take much deeper hold of our inner life. We are too easily content with the thoughts suggested by the words of the Bible, though these are but forms of truth, without giving time for the substantial spiritual reality, which the Word as the truth of God contains, to get lodged and rooted in the heart. *Let us, in meditating on the image of God in Christ, to which we are to be conformed, remember this. When some special trait has occupied our thoughts, let’s shut our eyes, and open our hearts; let us think, and pray, and believe in the working of the Holy Spirit, until we really see the blessed Master in that special light in which the Word has been setting Him before us and carry away for that day the deep and abiding impression of that heavenly beauty in Him which we know is to be reproduced in us. Let us gaze and gaze again, let us worship and adore; the more we see Him as He is, the likelier to Him we must become. To study the image of God in the man Christ Jesus, to yield and set upon our inmost being for that image to take possession and live in us, and then to go forth and let the heavenly likeness reflect itself out of our life among our fellowmen, —this is what we have been redeemed for, let this be what we live for.”</blockquote>
Andrew Murray has given us a challenge for our retirement years. I entrust his lengthy quote to God’s gracious care in you as well as myself to grow ever closer to Him for His unspeakable glory.<br />
<br />Norma Whitcombhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10210698104846091033noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-62928725301874703.post-15781781243612648632016-08-08T03:00:00.000-07:002016-08-08T03:00:10.789-07:00Thought 95<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<b>In the world tribulation, in Christ peace. </b>Do you have peace right now? If you by faith know Jesus Christ as your Savior, He is waiting to give you a peaceful countenance. Stop whatever you are doing. Sit down. Be quiet. Talk to Him about your situation and by all means wait for Him to talk to you. No, not in an audible voice, but by His Spirit communing with your spirit. "And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus." That's a promise!Norma Whitcombhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10210698104846091033noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-62928725301874703.post-54475838260204393132016-08-05T03:00:00.000-07:002016-08-05T03:00:19.987-07:00Thought 94<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Day by day and with each passing moment, strength I find to meet my trial here. "Be careful for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your request be made known unto God. And the peace of God, which passes all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus" (Phil. 4:6-7).Norma Whitcombhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10210698104846091033noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-62928725301874703.post-90827217706214543152016-08-01T03:00:00.000-07:002016-08-01T03:00:21.134-07:00Thought 93<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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"God tests our desire and increases it by the waiting." Fred MitchellNorma Whitcombhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10210698104846091033noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-62928725301874703.post-88053844266157698392016-07-29T03:00:00.000-07:002016-07-29T03:00:22.445-07:00Thought 92<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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"From the end of the earth will I cry unto Thee; when my heart is overwhelmed, lead me to the rock that is higher than I" (Psa. 61:2). When we talk to our heavenly Father He raises us above our fears and our anticipations.Norma Whitcombhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10210698104846091033noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-62928725301874703.post-42519224258344813832016-07-26T07:35:00.001-07:002016-07-26T07:35:32.658-07:00Thought 91<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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The blessings of Calvary's blood are inexhaustible! "We come whenever distressed by guilt, disturbed by fears, assailed by Satan, stressed by want, and faced by death." Jesus' blood is the answer to every need. Praise! Praise! Praise! Let's not forget to apply it to all the "dailies" of our lives. Our heavenly Father is ready and waiting.Norma Whitcombhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10210698104846091033noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-62928725301874703.post-51029438110646136252016-07-05T07:22:00.001-07:002016-07-05T07:22:43.718-07:00"Aspirement" - Content in Retirement - Part 3<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Last month’s considerations ended with thoughts about “aspirement” which means “to desire with eagerness.” That ideal should really help retired people, as well as all ages, to richer, fuller living, especially when it is God-centered. I mentioned that we would consider some specifics as to how we can do this. This blog will be a mix of earthly and godly considerations.<br />
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I’m aware that many who read these meditations are not in the retired bracket. I trust you will pick up on these thoughts as you are inspired to reach out to some needy souls.<br />
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Last month’s considerations ended with thoughts about “aspirement” which means “to desire with eagerness.” That ideal should really help retired people, as well as all ages, to richer, fuller living, especially when it is God-centered. I mentioned that we would consider some specifics as to how we can do this. This blog will be a mix of earthly and godly considerations.<br />
<br />
I’m aware that many who read these meditations are not in the retired bracket. I trust you will pick up on these thoughts as you are inspired to reach out to some needy souls.<br />
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A new magazine has just come to my desk. It is extremely helpful with suggestions on how to live longer, happier, resilient lives during “challenging times.” It presents recipes, “6 Foods With Healing Powers,” testimonials of people who are in their nineties and have stayed “young at heart,” and more. Right on target but with something missing. The articles inform us how to live, but how do we die? There were no suggestions. (To assuage your inquisitiveness, I will list the “6 foods with healing powers: bananas, cherries, onions, beans (brimming with heart-healthy nutrients), carrots, and cabbage.”) I just opened a can of garbanzo beans to put on our salad.<br />
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Our generation is living longer than any generation before. Why keep going? From the “earthy” there are lots of reasons, but from the Christian perspective there are eternal values which we will consider below. Now to the “earthy.” One author puts it this way. “Grow whole instead of growing old.” Stretch. Exercise as much as you think you can and then try more. A portable hand bike is good for both the arms and the legs. Water aerobics is one of the greatest. If you can’t do floor exercises, find ones that you can do while sitting in a chair. It might mean mind over mattress or the sofa, and it certainly means discipline. “Don’t sit and sour.” Get up, get out, and move about. Write that in BIG letters and cover the front of your TV. Why follow these suggestions? Because you will build energy, get rid of pains, develop a new attitude, stop your grouchiness, frequent the doctor less often, and have sunshine in your heart.<br />
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The Book of James is such a practical book that I feel I must do a thorough study of it every now and then—yes, and I am always convicted that there are rough/sinful areas that need God’s cleansing. As we reach the sunset side of life, we are apt to move along thinking that we have learned it all. That we are ready to advise others without searching our own hearts. We “rest on our spiritual laurels.” James 3:2,3 reminds us to control our tongue/speech. Have you ever thought of the examples of an untamed tongue? Lying, complaining, exaggerating, bragging, gossiping, putting others down, false teaching. And the list gets longer as we ask God to turn the searchlight on our hearts. What about other issues that need to be disciplined: impatience, grumbling, faultfinding, judgmentalism? “It’s me, O Lord, standing in the need of prayer.” He works and I trust Him to grow me and mellow me.<br />
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For many years my life verse has been Phil. 4:13. “I can all things through Christ who strengthens me.” I must continually exercise my mind to think godly thoughts, participate in godly activities, and thus strengthen and grow my spiritual muscles to be more useful for His glory and to be an example of godliness before others. To do that, I claim Phil. 4:13.<br />
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Norma Whitcombhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10210698104846091033noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-62928725301874703.post-24541098030504192582016-06-24T03:00:00.000-07:002016-06-24T03:00:11.616-07:00Thought 90<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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"Money will buy: A bed, but not sleep. Books, but not brains. Food, but not appetite. Finery, but not beauty. A house, but not a home. Medicine, but not health. Luxuries, but not culture. Amusements, but not happiness. A cross, but not a Savior. A church pew, but not heaven." SelectedNorma Whitcombhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10210698104846091033noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-62928725301874703.post-88242164629882336752016-06-20T03:00:00.000-07:002016-06-20T03:00:07.461-07:00Thought 89<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Friends are quiet angels who lift us to our feet when our wings have trouble remembering how to fly. (Orbitz) Isn't that a beautiful treasure? Let's be that kind of friend.Norma Whitcombhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10210698104846091033noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-62928725301874703.post-35440902921028721332016-06-17T03:00:00.000-07:002016-06-17T03:00:13.611-07:00Thought 88<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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"Our work is solemn, therefore we dare not trifle. Our task is difficult, therefore we dare not relax. Our opportunities are brief, therefore we dare not delay. Our path is narrow, therefore we dare not wander. Our prize will be glorious, therefore, we dare not faint." SelectedNorma Whitcombhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10210698104846091033noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-62928725301874703.post-39935167749833996492016-06-13T03:00:00.000-07:002016-06-13T03:00:23.507-07:00Thought 87<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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We look back on our little girlhood to when we had a bestest best friend. Some mothers and daughters think of each other as best friends. Some husband-wife relationships are that of best friends. We must admit there are disappointments, though short lived. When our heart strings are securely tied to Jesus through His Word, we have a friendship that is continually satisfying.Norma Whitcombhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10210698104846091033noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-62928725301874703.post-45049901573074559842016-06-10T03:00:00.000-07:002016-06-10T03:00:20.080-07:00Thought 86<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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When God uses a period, don't replace it with a question mark!Norma Whitcombhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10210698104846091033noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-62928725301874703.post-8767822199702915792016-06-04T20:05:00.003-07:002016-06-04T20:05:57.298-07:00Thought 85<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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The blessings of Calvary's blood are inexhaustible. "We come whenever distressed by guilt, disturbed by fears, assailed by Satan, stressed by want, faced with death." (source unknown) Day by day and with each passing moment, strength I find [in Jesus Christ] to meet my trials here.Norma Whitcombhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10210698104846091033noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-62928725301874703.post-25399157620763870072016-06-01T07:16:00.000-07:002016-06-01T07:16:03.170-07:00CONTENTMENT IN RETIREMENT ~ Part 2<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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This month’s paper has portions of an article which Wilferd A. Peterson has entitled The New “Aspirement.” Yes! Why should I spend hours composing something that proposes my own premise? May it inspire you as it has me.<br />
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"‘So you are really all through for good!’ a friend exclaimed on learning of my retirement. ‘If you mean by through that I’m all washed-up, finished with life and fun and adventure, I reject your remarks. But if you mean that my retirement is a breakthrough to things I have always wanted to do, that it is an open door to travel and new experiences and new creativity, with time to accomplish the hundreds of things I’ve never had time for, then, thank God, I am through. I’m through with road blocks, hurdles, and obstructions. I’m on my way.”<br />
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“Retirement didn’t catch me by surprise. My wife and I had been thinking about it for some years, and we had some definite thoughts about it.”<br />
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“In a sense, the word ‘retire’ is a good word. An army retires to gather its forces, to seek reinforcements, to renew the energies of its men, to re-organize so it can attack again with vigor and win new victories. Those of us who are 65, or 35, or 25, need this kind of ‘retirement.’ It may be a walk in the woods. It may be a quiet time of meditation and prayer. It may be a trip somewhere. It means to evaluate a situation, to think calmly, to explore possibilities.” Yes, and to commune with the Savior.<br />
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“With such ‘retirement’ we come back to our tasks with new spirit and new enthusiasm. This is a technique that can be used by individuals of all ages, as well, to change and expand and broaden their lives.”<br />
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As for me, Norma Whitcomb speaking, I want to continue to be useful for the Lord’s glory, to write, perhaps to oil paint, and to help others in a worthy manner. I want to continue to be creative and to encourage people in their walk with the Lord. I don’t want to sit in a chair and think lonesomeness. I want to be involved in teaching the Word to whomsoever wants to learn. There are many venues to pursue. We will think more about that at another time.<br />
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The word “retirement” doesn’t express what most people want. You have dreams that you are eager to tackle. What are you waiting for? Get started. Would God be pleased? Then jump in the car. Get the equipment and get started. Forget the lounge and TV. Above everything else, absorb God’s Word. Do an in-depth review of Psalm 69, which overwhelms us with Jesus’ suffering and death for us. Review Psalm 71, which talks about old age. Keep absorbing.<br />
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Wilferd Peterson came up with a new word — aspirement - which has an upward and onward lilt to it. The dictionary indicates that ‘aspire’ means “to desire with eagerness, to seek and to attain something high and great.” That ideal should inspire retired people to find a new pattern, a new outlook, a new life, and a new breakthrough to richer, fuller living which glorifies God.<br />
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That ideal should really help retired people to richer, fuller living. Aspirement can be the greatest time of our lives.<br />
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“…whatever you do, do all to the glory of God” (1 Cor. 10:31). <br />
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Norma Whitcombhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10210698104846091033noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-62928725301874703.post-49312869062081804082016-05-06T03:00:00.000-07:002016-05-06T03:00:00.143-07:00Thought 84<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Every hour is precious and irreplaceable. I set my timer for fifteen minutes. How much did I do? Were those minutes profitable? How long did it take me to put on my make-up and fix my hair this AM? Was it longer than I spent in prayer? What did I do? Or maybe I just frittered the minutes away. I can never get them back.Norma Whitcombhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10210698104846091033noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-62928725301874703.post-50624347867966733342016-05-04T07:18:00.002-07:002016-05-04T07:18:56.715-07:00CONTENTMENT IN RETIREMENT<br />
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Several of my blogs have been written about contentment, but they have been of a general nature. Since Dr. Whitcomb and I are in the retirement stage of life, and have a passion to be useful channels for the Lord, we face many decisions just as you do. So, from my thick file entitled<br />
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“Seniors,” which doesn’t sound as threatening as “Elderly,” I write these thoughts.<br />
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“Don’t be afraid of growing old,” said a man to a group of over-sixties. “When you stop growing old, you’re dead.” That may sound either threatening or glorious, depending on your standing with the Lord. This will be discussed later.<br />
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To face a threatening situation as though it does not exist is neither logical nor healthy. Aging is a fact of life.<br />
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Cicero said four things about age: “It makes our bodies feeble; it takes us out of participation with life; it robs us of the pleasures of youth; and it reminds us that death is waiting.” But Job put a premium on age: “Wisdom is with aged men; with long life is understanding” (Job 12:12).<br />
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Older Christians are usually well adjusted. They have mellowed with maturity. They have something to live for and something to die for. But it is a shame that some senior citizens give up, let themselves go, look untidy, abandon exercise and diet, and sink into inactivity. A few are meddlesome, critical, and demanding. This is where we may come into their lives to give them purpose for Jesus’ sake.<br />
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Aging starts with conception, is most rapid with very young children, and continues as long as life lasts. Normal old age is healthy. We are advised that “when older people get sick it is not because they are old, but because they finally succumb to ailments that have been in their systems, undetected for years.” I did not know this, but thought it interesting enough to mention.<br />
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By no means are all older folk sick, lonely, pessimistic, or unproductive. Most are well able to take care of themselves. Yes, some have incurable ailments, but that does not make them invalids. With God’s blessing they can have many years of productivity. My husband, who will be 92 in June, and in his fifth year with Parkinson’s disease, is an example. Every other week he participates in an hour-long radio program (Worldview Weekend), speaks often in churches and schools, writes articles and books, and is active with Answers in Genesis, especially with the Ark Encounter project in Kentucky. There are thousands of others who have lived long and productive lives.<br />
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A seventy-year-old college professor writes, “I am realistic enough not to expect that I can maintain my present post-retirement level of participation in the work of the academic community in coming years. I see no sharp falling-off, but only the prospect that self-discipline (or the lack of it) will determine how high that level of participation will be.” Sadly, God is left out of his prospect, but I include it for the self-discipline aspect. <br />
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“Casting all your care upon HIM, for HE cares for you” (1 Peter 5:7). Life is a journey, and God has a plan for each of us.<br />
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(To be continued)Norma Whitcombhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10210698104846091033noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-62928725301874703.post-14415362104733406742016-05-02T12:24:00.000-07:002016-05-02T12:24:12.077-07:00Thought 83<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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"In praise, as in all true prayer and worship, we clothe ourselves anew with the Lord" (p. 39 of an unidentifiable book).Norma Whitcombhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10210698104846091033noreply@blogger.com0