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Tuesday,
July 7, 2009 ![]() Steadfast and sure while the billows roll Fastened to the Rock that cannot move Grounded firm and deep in the Savior's love! ![]() "God Is My Anchor" "We who have fled to take hold of the hope offered to us may be greatly encouraged. We have this hope as an anchor for the soul, firm and secure" (Hebrews 6:18b, 19a). I just received a note from a longtime friend I haven't heard from for awhile giving me a brief update concerning his life. He's had some trials lately but shared this interesting perspective of faith: "Today I received an email from one of my friends whose wife just ran off with another man and left him with 5 kids. He says, “GOD IS MY ANCHOR.” What troubles do I have when compared with that?" ![]() I took this photo at Plymouth Harbor several years ago. Though the anchor serves a ship much like the parking brake serves a car, it also holds a lot more meaning for the believer. Contemplate this thought-provoking quote, "In order to realize the worth of the anchor, one needs to feel the stress of the storm." Faith is put to the test and best demonstrated during the deepest trials of life. ![]() The Greek word for anchor is Aγκυρα (ankura) Our English word anchor is merely a transliteration of this word! The anchor was used in the Greek world as a picture for hope. ![]() Hope, as used in the Bible, is not a wishful thought but a confident expectation of absolute certainty. The Holman Bible Dictionary offers this insight: "Hope is the confidence that what God has done for us in the past guarantees our participation in what God will do in the future." ![]() There are two qualities to this anchor of hope that may seem similar in the English, but indeed express two complimentary truths. It's a firm and secure hope. It's as if the Holy Spirit wants to make it absolutely clear to us, beyond the shadow of a doubt, just how dependable this anchor is! ![]() Be encouraged today, Stephen & Brooksyne Weber Daily prayer: Father, help us not to resent the storms of life or be fearful of their effects. Much like we prepare for a ravaging storm by anchoring valuables to a firm foundation, help us to anchor our hearts in the firm foundation of Your Word that will help us to withstand the testings and trials of life that are certain to come our way. Even as a ship is proven to be seaworthy over its lifetime, may our faith be proven trustworthy as we hold onto You, the Anchor for our soul. Amen. Here's a quote written about 350 years ago by Jeremy Taylor. It fully embraces the timetable of the Gospel journey and is a great focus for the believer: "Faith is the Christian's foundation, hope is his anchor, death is his harbor, Christ is his pilot, and heaven is his country." Today's Suggested Music and Supplemental Resources Click on the link to open and play. (In some cases you may also need to click again to start the song.) "We Have An Anchor" Video I am so very blessed by this grand old hymn and this is an especially beautiful version musically and includes photos. (I only regret this version only has one verse). Sung by Robin Mark. Here's the entire hymn Verse 1 Will your anchor hold in the storms of life, When the clouds unfold their wings of strife? When the strong tides lift, and the cables strain, Will your anchor drift or firm remain? Chorus We have an anchor that keeps the soul Steadfast and sure while the billows roll, Fastened to the Rock which cannot move, Grounded firm and deep in the Savior's love. Verse 2 It is safely moored, 'twill the storm withstand, For 'tis well secured by the Savior's hand; And the cables, passed from His heart to mine, Can defy that blast, thro' strength divine. Verse 3 It will firmly hold in the straits of fear, When the breakers have told the reef is near; Tho' the tempest rave and the wild winds blow, Not an angry wave shall our bark o'erflow. Verse 4 When our eyes behold thro' the gath'ring night The city of gold, our harbor bright, We shall anchor fast by the heav'nly shore, With the storms all past forevermore. Permissions:
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Scripture
references are from The Holy Bible: New International Version.
© 1984 by International Bible Society; NEW AMERICAN STANDARD
BIBLE®, Copyright © 1995 by The Lockman Foundation,
New King James
Version (NKJV) Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. and the
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Mission Statement:
"I am created by God to bring Him glory. Through God's Son Jesus Christ
I have been redeemed and I make it my life's goal to please the Lord.
My mission in life is to honor God through my faith and obedience and
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