Tag Archive | Encouragement

A Snippet of Encouragement

Nov23

(This post is a repeat from June 22. The truths it holds are more relevant today than even the first day it was posted. Be encouraged. Be strong. Be well.)

More than anything in the world right now, I want to encourage you.

I want to reiterate , that even though our world is in chaos, and our hearts are torn by all our eyes see;

We must … not .. be … afraid.

How is that even possible you ask?

By dwelling in the “Secret place” with God.

Here is a good place to begin.

Prayer for Safety from Enemies (Physical, Spiritual, Economic)

Be merciful to me, O God, be merciful to me!
For my soul trusts in You;
And in the shadow of Your wings I will make my refuge,
Until these calamities have passed by.2 I will cry out to God Most High,
To God who performs all things for me.
3 He shall send from heaven and save me;
He reproaches the one who would swallow me up. Selah
God shall send forth His mercy and His truth. Psalm 57:1-3 (NKJV)

Even though; Hot indignation seizes me because of the wicked, who forsake your law.
Your statutes have been my songs in the house of my sojourning.
I remember your name in the night, O Lord, and keep your law. Psalm 119::53-55 

How lovely is your dwelling place, O Lord of hosts!
2 My soul longs, yes, faints for the courts of the Lord; (I am safe here)
my heart and flesh sing for joy to the living God.

3 Even the sparrow finds a home, and the swallow a nest for herself, where she may lay her young, at your altars, O Lord of hosts, my King and my God.

4 Blessed are those who dwell in your house, ever singing your praise! Selah

5 Blessed are those whose strength is in you, in whose heart are the highways to Zion.

6 As they go through the Valley of Baca (weeping) they make it a place of springs; the early rain also covers it with pools.

7 They go from strength to strength; each one appears before God in Zion.

8 O Lord God of hosts, hear my prayer; give ear, O God of Jacob! Selah

9 Behold our shield, O God; look on the face of your anointed!

10 For a day in your courts is better than a thousand elsewhere. I would rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God than dwell in the tents of wickedness.
11 For the Lord God is a sun and shield; the Lord bestows favor and honor. No good thing does he withhold from those who walk uprightly.

12 O Lord of hosts, blessed is the one who trusts in you!

Psalm 84

(Selah = Pause, and quietly think of that)

Find encouragement in the Lord.

Until next time …

Reflections

Sep14

I’ve been spending some time reflecting on the headlines pertaining to current events.

As I’ve noted in previous posts on this blog, we have a choice about what we not only spend our time on, but also how we allow those things to engage with our hearts.

I’ve decided to give a little insight on this post, just how I’ve been approaching them.

Approaching them with a heart to not let them take over.

Hopefully, you will find this a helpful idea.

If your idea is different than mine, feel free to message me, or share in the comments.

My approach is by using scripture, God’s promise to me, to keep my heart in a place that is peaceful.

This is not to say that I am not disturbed by what I’m reflecting on, it is to say that my heart can be at rest in spite of it all.

It is the only thing I’ve tried that actually works.

The issues;

Sickness. Politics. Social unrest. Child pornography. Sex trafficking. Too many more to even comprehend.

When I think of SICKNESS; I reflect on 3 John 2 (NKJV) Beloved, I pray that you may prosper in all things and be in health, just as your soul prospers.

When I think of the current state of POLITICS; I reflect on 1 Timothy 2:1-2 which tells us to Pray for All People – First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people, for kings and all who are in high positions, that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way.

When I think of the SOCIAL UNREST all around us; I reflect on 1 John 2:15-17 which tells us not to love the world; Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world—the desires of the flesh and the desires of the eyes and pride of life is not from the Father but is from the world. And the world is passing away along with its desires, but whoever does the will of God abides forever. Loving the world more than God can only cause discord.

When I think of CHILD PORNOGRAPHY; I reflect on Luke 17:2 It would be better for him if a millstone were hung around his neck and he were cast into the sea than that he should cause one of these little ones to sin.

When I think of SEX TRAFFICKING; I reflect on Psalm 82:3 that says to defend the cause of the weak and fatherless; maintain the rights of the poor and oppressed.

When I think of many other things disturbing the world we live in, too numerous to name; I reflect on Psalm 19:1 The heavens declare the glory of God, and the sky above proclaims his handiwork. Looking at His creation I can see His glory. This gives me hope everyday.

My approach is simple, and yet not always easy.

Sometimes this approach goes against the way we are wired.

This is where the decision making comes in.

I must decide if I want to be laden down with care and frustration, or filled with joy, and yes, even hope.

Maybe this post will help you to make some decisions for yourself?

Until next time …

A Timely Note

Jun24

For the first time since March, our small group got together last Friday.

We meet once a month.

The invitation list is very lengthy, but just who will be in attendance is never really known until we arrive.

As few as six, as many at twenty five.

This time a dozen.

I was SO good to see their smiling faces.

I always take notes.

We chat about so much that bears remembering.

This time Sharon, our leader, shared the following print out with us.

I thought it quite apropos to share with you here.

apropos (very appropriate to a particular situation.)

I truly hope you find these words enlightening.

Until next time …