This blog is designed to create community for believers and provide support for seekers. I encourage all readers to share their faith in an effort to lift and encourage one another.
“God is unchanging in His love. He loves you. He has a plan for your life. Don’t let the newspaper headlines frighten you. God is still sovereign; He’s still on the throne.”
Bily Graham
Lord, you know that sometimes we allow ourselves to be frightened or worried over what is happening in the world. Forgive us for not trusting in you. Help us to remember how faithful you are, how much you love us, and how to realize that, no matter what happens, you are in control.
Thank you, Lord, that you are present always, not just in the good times. Thank you for providing a safe place during the difficult times, for being my protector.
Through the Psalms #3
I encourage you to read the entire Psalm.
“Lord, how many are my foes!
How many rise up against me!
Many are saying of me,
‘God will not deliver him.’
But you, Lord, are a shield around me,
My glory, the One who lifts my head high.
I call out to the Lord,
And he answers me from his holy mountain.”
Psalm 3: 1-4
David wrote this when he fled from his son Absalom. He was pursued by men who rose up against him and wanted him dead. Our enemies may not be seeking our death, yet, at times it can seem as though many foes around us.
Notice how quickly David acknowledges that God was a shield around him, how he allows God’s glory to lift his head up and not be downcast. When overwhelmed with enemies and fears, David called upon the Lord.
Shouldn’t we be doing the same? Shouldn’t we, whenever we’re surrounded by enemies or troubles, call upon God to be our shield? When we call on him he does answer from his holy mountain. Thank God!
My God, my shield and protector, thank you for answering my prayers for assistance. You are stronger than the evil one and more than capable of vanquishing him. Thank you for providing my protection.
Lord, how I love to plan my life. Forgive me for not trusting your plans for me, for not trusting in your faithfulness. Help me to turn those plans over to your wisdom and trust you for the outcome. May your will be done.
Hope is the thing
That pushes its head
through the earth,
Unfurling its pale green
For all to see.
It’s the expectation of blooms,
Unwinding from a tiny bud,
Blooms more vibrant and colorful
Than imagination.
Hope is the realization
that dead, shriveled things,
long buried in the ground,
Will one day rise again
to a glorious new world
with no more tears.
It’s the expectation of
that new world,
Far more glorious
than Spring.
It’s the realization that
Our Savior has risen from the dead
To wash away our sin,
To bring us abundant life,
And allow us to draw near to God.
Psalm 33: 20-22
“We wait in hope for the Lord;
he is our help and our shield.
In him our hearts rejoice,
for we trust in his holy name.
May your unfailing love be with us, Lord,
even as we put our hope in you.”
Thank you, Lord, for giving us hope in you.
.”My longings are best met when, in prayer, I simply let my heart beat in time with the Lord’s.”
-Joni Eareckson Tada.
Psalm 46:10a says, “Be still and know that I am God.” In the wisdom of the psalmist, we learn to quietly approach God, listen to him, and allow our heartbeats to beat in rhythm with the Almighty.
Father, thank you for those times of stillness when you bend down and touch my heart and draw me closer to you.
Yes, Lord! Teach us justice. Sometimes it seems it barely trickles, like a dried-up stream. Let us follow your commands and help justice flow freely in our land.
Through the Psalms–#2
I encourage you to read the entire Psalm
“Why do the nations conspire
And the peoples plot in vain?
The kings of the earth rise up
And the rulers band together
Against the LORD and his anointed, saying
‘Let us break their chains
And throw off their shackles.’”
Psalm 2:1-3
While Psalm 1 gives us a beautiful picture of one who follows the Lord and meditates on his word, Psalm 2 presents a stark contrast. In this Psalm we see the discontent and rebellion of those who refuse to serve the Lord. Our stubborn disobedience leads to our destruction. Instead of the tree flourishing by the waters, we see destruction.
Father God, squash any rebellious ways in me. Keep me reading and meditating on your word and on your glory. I long to serve you and take refuge in your grace.
Imagine that someone has given you a big box of chocolates! What is the first thing you do? Most would probably say Thank you, open the box, and graciously offer the first piece to the giver of this scrumptious gift. Would you begrudge giving that first piece of chocolate to the person who gave you the whole box? No, of course not, for the rest of the candy would be yours to enjoy—to eat, to save for another day, or to share with others.
I think this is the attitude God had in mind when he commanded us to tithe. He has created the world and all that is in it; everything is a gift from Him. He has given us a gigantic box of chocolates. He would be pleased if we would, with cheerful hearts, say Thank you, and offer Him the first piece.
Shouldn’t this also be the attitude we exhibit when we serve God and others? All our gifts are God given: intelligence, work, compassion. Our physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual box is filled with delicious chocolates. Let’s remember to graciously and humbly thank God for them and offer Him the first piece.
“Each man should give what he has decided in his heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.” II Corinthians 9:7 (NIV)
Oh God, we thank you for giving us many good gifts. May we cheerfully offer a portion back to you.
Taking a few moments this morning to contemplate some of God’s miracles. From creating the land and the seas to Jesus’ birth, death, and resurrection and on to the personal miracles in my life. It’s a good way to start the day.
Thank you, Lord, for all the miracles you have performed. Thank you for reminding me of your great power and your great love.
Growing Our Faith Together 