Romans 15:13
May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.
My co-workers and I celebrated the birthday of one of our student workers who recently turned 19. One of them asked me if I would like to go back to the age of 19. I said, “No.” I have no desire to start over. There is no guarantee that I would be any wiser, and there are many things I would not change anyway. Everything that has happened to me, every circumstance, every person I’ve interacted with, every job, every event, everything in my life has shaped me to be who I am today. With God’s help, I have learned from difficult situations. Through God’s blessings I’ve gathered many wonderful memories.
As a believer in the grace and hope that Jesus Christ offers, I find peace. Looking toward the future, I know that difficulties will still litter my path, but I also know that the bright rays of God’s Son will shine on me and offer the light called hope. Praise God for his Holy Spirit who renews our hope.
Saturday, July 31, 2010
Friday, July 23, 2010
Encourage One Another
I Thessalonians 5:11
Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.
This week, my family and I have been ministered to by so many people. My dad passed away on Monday and the outreach of encouragement has overflowed.
Thank you to everyone who has sent a message, said a kind word, sent a card, prepared food, sent up a prayer, and given a hug. God has truly blessed my family and me with loving family and friends. If you ever wonder if you should send a card, write a message on Facebook, email a note; the answer is yes. Every word of encouragement is like a warm hug.
Praise God for his encouraging words and the people who bring them.
Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.
This week, my family and I have been ministered to by so many people. My dad passed away on Monday and the outreach of encouragement has overflowed.
Thank you to everyone who has sent a message, said a kind word, sent a card, prepared food, sent up a prayer, and given a hug. God has truly blessed my family and me with loving family and friends. If you ever wonder if you should send a card, write a message on Facebook, email a note; the answer is yes. Every word of encouragement is like a warm hug.
Praise God for his encouraging words and the people who bring them.
Friday, July 16, 2010
He Holds My Hand
Psalm 139:9-10 & 13-14
If I rise on the wings of the dawn,
if I settle on the far side of the sea,
even there your hand will guide me,
your right hand will hold me fast.
For you created my inmost being;
you knit me together in my mother's womb.
I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made;
your works are wonderful,
I know that full well.
I have witnessed our children take the hand of their child before they cross the street. The mom or dad carefully instructs their little one to look both ways before they cross, as they explain the possible dangers of the cars whizzing by. The parents guide the children. They love their little ones and want what is best for them.
Much like God who, if we reach out to him, takes our hand and guides us through each day. He created us and he loves us. He wants us to follow him and trust him, just like a young child follows his/her parent. Knowing that he knit me together before I was born, he knew me and wanted me, brings me joy and peace. He is my guide.
If I rise on the wings of the dawn,
if I settle on the far side of the sea,
even there your hand will guide me,
your right hand will hold me fast.
For you created my inmost being;
you knit me together in my mother's womb.
I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made;
your works are wonderful,
I know that full well.
I have witnessed our children take the hand of their child before they cross the street. The mom or dad carefully instructs their little one to look both ways before they cross, as they explain the possible dangers of the cars whizzing by. The parents guide the children. They love their little ones and want what is best for them.
Much like God who, if we reach out to him, takes our hand and guides us through each day. He created us and he loves us. He wants us to follow him and trust him, just like a young child follows his/her parent. Knowing that he knit me together before I was born, he knew me and wanted me, brings me joy and peace. He is my guide.
Friday, July 9, 2010
Rest
Matthew 11: 28-29
Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your soul.
A co-worker and I were talking about how stressful our week at work had been and how the four-day work week seemed longer than a five-day work week. All the work we needed to do would, in the long run, make our jobs more efficient and effective, but trying to do it all in four days made me tired by Friday. On our way out to our cars that afternoon, the two of us stopped by the art gallery in our building. A lovely display of watercolors, recycled art, paintings, quilts and other beautiful art filled the room. As we wandered through the gallery, we noticed an interactive display. A note invited us to draw on the art paper that was provided with pastel chalk. Both of us like to draw, so we did our best and created our own mini-art. We both commented that we felt so much more relaxed after a few minutes of doodling on the paper.
Another day at work when I felt weary, I took my Bible outside at lunch and just spent my lunchtime reading. God's word refreshed my soul. When life gets hectic and stressful and you feel weary and tired, what do you do? Jesus encourages us to come to him. Like me, you may go to him through reading, art, or writing. You may sit quietly at his feet or sing with all your heart. Whatever it is that you do to renew your Spirit, seek out Jesus. He wants to hug you and give you rest.
Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your soul.
A co-worker and I were talking about how stressful our week at work had been and how the four-day work week seemed longer than a five-day work week. All the work we needed to do would, in the long run, make our jobs more efficient and effective, but trying to do it all in four days made me tired by Friday. On our way out to our cars that afternoon, the two of us stopped by the art gallery in our building. A lovely display of watercolors, recycled art, paintings, quilts and other beautiful art filled the room. As we wandered through the gallery, we noticed an interactive display. A note invited us to draw on the art paper that was provided with pastel chalk. Both of us like to draw, so we did our best and created our own mini-art. We both commented that we felt so much more relaxed after a few minutes of doodling on the paper.
Another day at work when I felt weary, I took my Bible outside at lunch and just spent my lunchtime reading. God's word refreshed my soul. When life gets hectic and stressful and you feel weary and tired, what do you do? Jesus encourages us to come to him. Like me, you may go to him through reading, art, or writing. You may sit quietly at his feet or sing with all your heart. Whatever it is that you do to renew your Spirit, seek out Jesus. He wants to hug you and give you rest.
Saturday, July 3, 2010
Lay Up Treasures
I Timothy 6:17-19
Command those who are rich in this present world not to be arrogant nor to put their hope in wealth, which is so uncertain, but to put their hope in God, who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment. Command them to do good, to be rich in good deeds, and to be generous and willing to share. In this way they will lay up treasure for themselves as a firm foundation for the coming age, so that they may take hold of the life that is truly life.
Yesterday, two of my daughters came to help me with my yard sale. I don't particularly enjoy having yard sales, but we had things to get rid of and I had a specific need for the money I might make. During the course of the day, we discussed America's obsession with money and the pros and cons of our economic system.
As we talked, I tried to put into words what disturbed me the most about how we tend to look at money. This verse says exactly what I was trying to put into my owns words.I need to put my hope in the Lord, not in my finances and keep my eyes focused on how God wants me to use my money and my posessions with a generous and sharing spirit. I praise God for all he gives me!
Command those who are rich in this present world not to be arrogant nor to put their hope in wealth, which is so uncertain, but to put their hope in God, who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment. Command them to do good, to be rich in good deeds, and to be generous and willing to share. In this way they will lay up treasure for themselves as a firm foundation for the coming age, so that they may take hold of the life that is truly life.
Yesterday, two of my daughters came to help me with my yard sale. I don't particularly enjoy having yard sales, but we had things to get rid of and I had a specific need for the money I might make. During the course of the day, we discussed America's obsession with money and the pros and cons of our economic system.
As we talked, I tried to put into words what disturbed me the most about how we tend to look at money. This verse says exactly what I was trying to put into my owns words.I need to put my hope in the Lord, not in my finances and keep my eyes focused on how God wants me to use my money and my posessions with a generous and sharing spirit. I praise God for all he gives me!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
