[Faith-talk] Fwd: Beautiful Thursday !!

[Amy Ragain]

Begin forwarded message:

> From: Stephen Smith <stevesmith1943 at me.com>
> Date: February 10, 2011 7:15:40 AM CST
> To: Morning Thoughts 1 <stevesmith1943 at me.com>
> Subject: Beautiful Thursday !!
> 
> Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their work: If one falls down, his friend can help him up. But pity the man who falls and has no one to help him up! Also, if two lie down together, they will keep warm. But how can one keep warm alone? Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken.
> (Ecclesiastes 4:9-12, NIV)
> 
> - From Bible Promises for iPhone
> http://biblepromises.reigndesign.com/
> 
> You can't get to the mountain top until you travel through the valley.  Have you ever been in the jungle, all alone, in the midst of a downpour, surrounded by the enemy, ladened with fever and fatigue; sweaty hot with bugs crawling on your skin; fearful, naked, lost, not knowing which path to take?  That's my thought of life without Christ.  Now picture this: Same situation, but one difference.  There is a tiny GPS transmitter hidden within your body, transmitting your location to the helicopter, racing to your rescue.  The pilot knows exactly where you are, hovers overhead and lowers the rescue team in a basket. They pick you up, cover you with blankets, and extract you from the very pit of hell.  Christ is that helicopter crew.  The Holy Spirit is the GPS for the believer.  They work together for our salvation, growth, safety and security.  They are the love of God, working for the Glory of God and the benefit of man.
> 
> From the jungle we cannot see the big picture.  Our vision is blinded by the dense vegetation.  But once extracted, we can see once again.  The mountain is once again in view, reaching into the clouds, majestic in all respects.  We are to climb that mountain but only after a period of time in the valley, gathering strength, wisdom, experience.  
> 
> As a believer, you have already been extracted from the jungle of death, and placed in the valley of life.  It is now your objective to climb the mountain, because the Holy Spirit in you is calling, beckoning you forward.  The climb will be exhausting at times, magnificent at other times.  It will ever be before you, and as you climb higher you will use that cord of three strands more and more: You, your friend, and Jesus Christ.  That cord of friendship will save your life, allow you to reach greater heights, and eventually, in God's time, stand on the mountain top and see the trail that brought you to victory.
> 
> May you receive God's richest blessing for your life today - His Son, Jesus Christ!!
> 
> <3Steve:-))
>