PRESSURE
We were under great pressure ... so that we despaired even of life ... But this happened that we might not rely on ourselves but on God, who raises the dead. 2 Corinthians 1:8-9
We were under great pressure ... so that we despaired even of life ... But this happened that we might not rely on ourselves but on God, who raises the dead. 2 Corinthians 1:8-9
Last Tuesday night we had our first Piano Extravaganza concert at America's KESWICK. Five grand pianos on the stage in our Activity Center. Our own Robert Hayes joined me, Carolyn Hibbard, Jeff Duffield and Michael Faircloth in a spectacular evening of music. The concert was recorded on a 2 set CD which you can order by responding to this email. The cost is $20.
Our piano tuner gave me some trivia right before the concert: 5 pianos = 440 keys; 1000 piano strings and 100,000 tons of tension! Wow! And on top of that, all of us felt the pressure of performing in front of 1000 people!
Life is filled with pressure and difficulty and sometimes it can be overwhelming. Listen to these words from STREAMS IN THE DESERT:
The pressure of difficult times makes us value life. Every time our life is spared and given back to us after a trial, it is like a new beginning. We better understand its value and thereby apply ourselves more effectively for God and humankind. And the pressure we endure helps us to understand the trials of others, equipping us to help them and to sympathize with them.
Some people have a shallowness about them. With their superficial nature, they lightly take hold of a theory or a promise and then carelessly tell of their distrust of those who retreat from every trial. Yet a man or woman who has experienced great suffering will never do this. They are very tender and gentle, and understand what suffering really means. This is what Paul meant when he said, "Death is at work in us."
Trials and difficult times are needed to press us forward. They work in the way the fire in the hold of a mighty steamship provides energy that moves the pistons, turns the engine, and propels the great vessel across the sea, even when facing the wind and the waves.
Trials and difficult times are needed to press us forward. They work in the way the fire in the hold of a mighty steamship provides energy that moves the pistons, turns the engine, and propels the great vessel across the sea, even when facing the wind and the waves.
Pressed beyond measure; yes, pressed to great length;
Pressed so intensely, beyond my own strength.
Pressed in my body and pressed in my soul,
Pressed in my mind till the dark surges roll.
Pressure from foes and pressure from friends.
Pressure on pressure, till life nearly ends.
Pressed into knowing no helper but God;
Pressed into loving His staff and His rod.
Pressed into liberty where nothing clings;
Pressed into faith for impossible things.
Pressed into living my life for the Lord,
Pressed into living a Christ-life out poured.
Are you feeling the weight of the pressure of the difficulties of life? Press into Him and allow Him to pour His life in and through you today. -- Bill Welte is President and CEO
Dig This Quote: All our promises and resolutions end in denial because we have no power to accomplish them. When we come to the end of ourselves, not just mentally but completely, we are able to “receive the Holy Spirit.” There is now only One who directs the course of your life, the Lord Jesus Christ. – Oswald Chambers
Determined Digging: Level 1: Proverbs 5:12; Level 2: Psalm 86:11-13
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