Encouragement . . . for the Journey

MAY THE LOVE DISPLAYED IN CHRIST JESUS


OUR LORD AND SAVIOR,


FILL YOU JOY DURING THE CHRISTMAS SEASON


AND YOUR HEART WITH


IMMEASURABLE BLESSING IN 2011.



"Thanks be unto God for His indescribable gift!" 2 Corinthians 9:15

Encouragement . . . for the Journey

Read this devotion from Chuck Swindoll this morning ~ gives us much food for thought:

A Puritan's Prayer
by Charles R. Swindoll

Some years ago I was given a book of Puritan prayers called The Valley of Vision. I have worn out one copy and had to purchase another. I recommend this volume to you. Read the following prayer from the Puritan's pen slowly (preferably aloud).

O LORD,
I am a shell full of dust,
but animated with an invisible rational soul
and made anew by an unseen power of grace;
Yet l am no rare object of valuable price,
but one that has nothing and is nothing,
although chosen of thee from eternity,
given to Christ, and born again;
I am deeply convinced of the evil and misery of a sinful state,
of the vanity of creatures,
but also of the sufficiency of Christ.
When thou wouldst guide me I control myself,
When thou wouldst be sovereign I rule myself.
When thou wouldst take care of me I suffice myself.
When I should depend on thy providings I supply myself,
When I should submit to thy providence I follow my will,
When I should study, love, honour, trust thee, I serve myself;
I fault and correct thy laws to suit myself,
Instead of thee I look to man's approbation,
and am by nature an idolater.
Lord, it is my chief design to bring my heart back to thee.
Convince me that I cannot be my own god, or make myself happy,
nor my own Christ to restore my joy,
nor my own Spirit to teach, guide, and rule me. . . .
Then take me to the cross and leave me there.

1. Arthur Bennett, ed., The Valley of Vision: A Collection of Puritan Prayers & Devotions (Carlisle, Pa.: The Banner of Truth Trust, © 1975, 1988, 2003).

Reprinted by permission. Day by Day, Charles Swindoll, July 2005, Thomas Nelson, inc., Nashville, Tennessee. All rights reserved.

Encouragement . . . for the Journey

"Praise the LORD! I will give thanks to the LORD with my whole heart in the company of the upright, in the congregation."

Psalm 111:1

Really??? With your whole heart? How often have we said or thought those words when we're at Church, Bible Study or with our Christian friends, but don't really mean them? The rest of the week proves it. We halfheartedly serve the One who gave His life for us. We give Him token praise and worship, forgetting that all we do in life ~ in our home/office or with our families ~ should be with an attitude of worship. Colossians 3:17 says, "And whatever you do, whether in word of deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him. And in Romans 12:1-2, "Therefore I urge you, brothers, in view of God's mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God -- this is your spiritual act of worship. Do not be conformed to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is -- His good, pleasing and perfect will."

When the Psalmist penned the words in Psalm 111, he really meant them. His desire reflected in this prayer was to fully give his entire all in serving His Savior ~ his life ~ his desires ~ his attitude and his actions. His focus was on the greatness of His God. Never once did he focus on himself. His focus was praise. Is that yours? If not, it can be.

If this is the desire of your heart, then today you can begin a fresh start with Him. Remember His mercies are new every morning and His faithfulness is great.

Make this Psalm your prayer:
Praise the LORD, I choose to give thanks to You today, LORD with my whole heart, in the company of the upright, in the congregation; wherever I go today.
I praise You that Your works are great and studied by all who delight in them. They are full of splendor and majesty and Your righteousness endures forever.
Thank You for making Your wondrous works to be remembered: gracious and merciful are You my God.
I praise You for providing food for those who fear You and for remembering Your covenant.
I praise You for the power of Your works You show to Your people.
I praise You that Your works are faithful and just and all Your precepts are trustworthy ~ established forever and ever.
I praise You for providing redemption for all who will believe and always keeping Your covenant promises. "Not one of all the Lord's good promises to the house of Israel failed; everyone was fulfilled." Joshua 21:45
Holy and awesome is Your Name!!! May my life reflect the holiness of who You are. (Psalm 115:1)
Thank You that the fear (reverence, adoration) of You is the beginning of wisdom and for those who practice it, good understanding (wisdom) is theirs.
Thank You Father that Your praise endures forever!!!
In Jesus Name!!!

Encouragement . . . for the Journey

Want to be STRONG today ~ put on God's armor and you WILL stand firm in Him!!!!

"Finally be strong in the Lord and in His mighty power."


"Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil's schemes."


"For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms."


"Therefore, put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand."


"Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with breastplate of righteousness in place, and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace."


"In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one."


"Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God."


"And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the saints."

Ephesians 6:10-18

Encouragement . . . for the Journey

"And the effect of righteousness will be peace, and the result of righteousness, quietness and trust forever."

Isaiah 32: 17

Who doesn't long for peace? All of us do.

Although we may try to find peace in our own way because we, "want to do it ourselves," true, lasting peace, that goes deep within our soul, can only come from a relationship with God through His Son, Jesus Christ.

Warren Wiersbe says it best, "There can be no lasting peace without righteousness, and Jesus Christ is our "King of righteousness" and "King of peace." (Hebrews 7:1-3)

"God made Him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in Him we might become the righteousness of God." 2 Corinthians 5:21

If you have not trusted in Christ, my prayer for you today is that you open your heart to Him and receive His true, lasting peace. John 1:12; John 16:33


Quote taken from With the Word, by Warren Wiersbe, Thomas Nelson Publishing

Encouragement . . . for the Journey

Praising God for this incredible weather ~ beautiful Fall day ~ love His seasons.

"Let everything that has breath praise the LORD."

Psalm 150:6 ♥

Encouragement . . . for the Journey

Have you ever found yourself in a "pit" of despair ~ not knowing which way was up or down? If you're breathing, you have or will. All of us from time to time find ourselves in a pit. Pits come in many shapes and sizes. It's not a "one fits all" pattern. Pits, for example the pit of jealousy, lust for things or people, resentment, hatred, lack of patience, depression, etc., start small, but end up consuming us. What might be a pit for you will not even be a temptation for someone else. So don't compare yourself. Falling into a pit is easy, but getting out is not, unless we fix our eyes on Christ and look to Him to lift us out. He alone will rescue us. All we have to do is cry out with a sincere heart. After all, He knows our hearts, (Hebrews 4:12-13) knows whether we're sincere or just want attention.


King David was a pit-dweller as well. Listen to his words in Psalm 61:

"Hear my cry, O God, listen to my prayer; from the end of the earth I call to You when my heart is faint.
Lead me to the rock that is higher than I, for You have been my refuge, a strong tower against the enemy.
Let me dwell in Your tent forever! Let me take refuge under the shelter of Your wings. Selah (pause and reflect)
For You, O God, have heard my vows, You have given me the heritage of those who fear Your name.
Prolong the life of the king; may his years endure to all generations!
May he be enthroned forever before God; appoint steadfast love and faithfulness to watch over him!
So will I ever sing praises to Your name, as I perform my vows day after day."


If you notice in this Psalm, the first thing David did was to cry out to God. He knew God would hear Him. He always listens to the cry of His children, to those who have trusted in His grace and His grace alone to save them (see Ephesians 2:8-9, John 3:16, Romans 10:9-10). He knew God was faithful because He had proved His faithfulness time and time again.


As David cried out, he said, "lead me to the rock that is higher than I." David focused on God's strength, not his own. When I think of a big rock, I always picture the Rock of Gibraltar. Looming in its size, it pales in comparison to God, our Rock. God, the steadfast Rock of believers, is bigger than any rock we've ever seen or will see. He can't be moved and is always a strong tower to those who run to Him. David knew he could lean on Him and fully cast all his cares on God. God was big enough to handle any problem King David would give Him and He is big enough to handle any problem we give Him. Nothing is impossible with God. (Luke 1:47)


David hid himself under the shelter of God's almighty wings of love and protection. The expanse of God's love and protection are unmeasurable. Psalm 91 says, "He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will abide in the shadow of the Almighty, I will say to the LORD, "My refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust." David knew the safest place to be was to abide in God's presence. Are you hiding under God's wings of protection or do you look for others to be that protection for you? People let us down, God never will. He is the same yesterday, today and forever. (Hebrews 13:8) You can always count on Him!!!


David trusted His God. He had a personal relationship with Him. In Psalm 23:1, David said, "The Lord is my Shepherd." David belonged to God and feared Him with a reverent heart. He trusted God for his eternal security and for his immediate well-being. He knew His Father would pour out His steadfast love and faithfulness. On many occasions, David had cried out to God, but one in particular stands out, "O LORD, how many are my foes! Many are rising against me; many are saying of my soul, there is no salvation for him in God. Selah But You, O LORD, are a shield about me, my glory and the lifter of my head. I cried aloud to the LORD, and He answered me from His holy hill. I lay down and slept; I woke again, for the LORD sustained me." How many sleepless nights do you have? Trust in the one who will sustain you and keep you safe.


David, cried out to God, leaned on Him, hid himself under God's wings and trusted in His faithfulness, but he wasn't finished. David, the singer of songs, now had a song of praise on his lips. Do you? How often does God deliver us and we forget to praise Him?


I'm not sure what kind of "pit" you've found yourself in, but don't delay, give your "pit of despair" to our faithful God and let Him deliver you and He will put a song of praise on your lips.

"I waited patiently for the LORD; He inclined to me and heard my cry. He drew me up from the pit of destruction, out of the miry bog, and set, my feet upon a rock, making my steps secure.

He put a new song in my mouth, a song of praise to our God.

Many will see and fear and put their trust in the LORD."

Psalm 40:1-3

Encouragement . . . for the Journey

"Very early in the morning, while it was still dark,
Jesus got up, left the house and went off to a solitary place,

where He prayed." Mark 1:35

What does your morning routine look like? What is the first thing you do? Turn on TV/the radio/CD ~ read the paper ~ head for the computer ~ look on facebook ~ exercise? None of those things are wrong in themselves, but have they become your first love? When you look at the routine of Jesus, the radiance of God's glory, the One who came "to serve," (Mark 10:45); what did His morning look like? In Mark it says, very early, Jesus got up, went to a quiet, solitary place and prayed. As much as He loved being around the disciples and those He came to minister to, He knew how important it was to spend time alone with God to be renewed and filled up before going out to serve.


If you recall, after being baptized by John; recognized by His Father as the beloved Son, in whom He was well pleased, He was led by the Spirit into the wilderness (Matthew 3:13-17; 4:1-11; Mark 1:9-13). It was there He was ruthlessly tempted by Satan. Jesus responded with Truth and stopped the enemy in his tracks. Temptation comes to all of us. When we spend time in the Word, we have the tools we need to counter any attack by the enemy. "Finally, be strong in the Lord and in His mighty power. Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil's schemes." Ephesians 6:10-11 (see also 1 Corinthians 10:13)


So often as believers (those who have put their trust in Jesus as their Savior ~ 1 John 5:11-13) we serve, or try to serve God on empty. Running throughout our day without being renewed in the Word or talking to the One who longs to give us direction for the day; whether our work is at home, in an office setting, or in our community. I love what Warren Wiersbe says, "Where did the Servant get His power? He depended on the Holy Spirit and prayer. He did not allow the demands of the work to rob Him of the time He needed to renew His strength. If the holy Son of God needed to pray, how much more do you need to pray! In the Lord's service, you cannot run on empty."


In Isaiah 40:28-31 we find the perfect prescription for renewal that works every time, because our faithful God always keeps His Word. "Do you not know? Have you not heard? The LORD is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth. He will not grow tired or weary, and His understanding no one can fathom. He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak. Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall; but those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint."



* With the Word, Warren Wiersbe, Thomas Nelson, Inc. Publishing

Encouragement . . . for the Journey

"The Son is the radiance of God's glory
and the exact representation of His being,
sustaining all things by His powerful Word.
After He had provided purification for sins,

He sat down at the right hand of the Majesty in heaven."
Hebrews 1:3-4

Praise Jesus today for He is:
R -- Radiance of God's glory
E -- Exact representation of God
S -- Sustainer of all things by His powerful Word
T -- The purifier of our sins

Because of what Jesus did, we can fully REST in Him and His promises and KNOW that through Him we too can reflect God's glory and represent Him well to our family, friends, co-workers, neighbors or whoever we come in contact with in our: attitudes, desires, thoughts and actions.

~ ~ ~

"Great and marvelous are Your deeds,
Lord God Almighty,
Just and true are Your ways,
King of the ages.
Who will not fear You, O Lord, and bring glory to Your name?
All nations will come and worship before You, for
Your righteous acts have been revealed."
Revelation 15:3-4

Encouragement . . . for the Journey

"If I seek fellowship with the Father, I will find Him in His word."
Andrew Murray

When you find yourself needing some guidance, you can ALWAYS find it in God's Word. Let His truths ~ transform ~ renew ~ revive ~ strengthen ~ encourage you in your journey.


Saw this in With the Word by Warren Wiersbe:

"When you can't sleep" ~ Psalm 3-4
"When you have sinned" ~ Psalm 32; 51
"When you are ill" ~ Psalm 31
"When you need God's guidance" ~ Psalm 25
"When you are traveling" ~ Psalm 121
"When people create problems" ~ Psalm 37
"When you are downcast" ~ Psalm 42-43
"When sinners seem to succeed" ~ Psalm 73
"When you are afraid" ~ Psalm 27; 91
"When you "feel old" ~ Psalm 102
"When you worry about the future" ~ Psalm 34
"When you think about death" ~ Psalm 124; 130
"When problems seem bigger than God" ~ Psalm 139
"When you just want to praise Him" ~ Psalm 103



"Give ear to my words, O LORD, consider my sighing. Listen to my cry for help, my King and my God, for to You I pray. Morning by morning, O LORD, You hear my voice; morning by morning I lay my requests before You and wait in expectation." Psalm 5:1-3


* 199 Treasures of Wisdom on Talking with God, Andrew Murray; Barbour Publishing, Inc.
* With the Word, Warren Wiersbe; Thomas Nelson Publishers

Encouragement . . . for the Journey

"From the ends of the earth I call to You,
I call as my heart grows faint;
lead me to the Rock that is higher than I."
Psalm 61:2

Felt overwhelmed lately????? Well you're not alone. Just look around you. There are so many who are in your same boat. Those who feel like they are drowning in a sea of trouble. Some of this brought on by our own disobedience; some allowed by God to refine us. Regardless of the reason you're here, remember you have an advocate ~ Jesus Christ, the Holy One, who will NEVER leave you or forsake you. (Hebrews 13:5)


J. Sidlow Baxter, in the devotional book, Awake My Heart, (Zondervan publishing), writes, "It is bad enough when ordinary sorrows sadden the heart; it if far worse when sorrows or trials "like sea billows roll" until the heart is "overwhelmed". But that of all times is the time to pray. Lead me to the Rock that is higher than I. This is remarkable language." Undoubtedly when David penned this, he was implying that the "Rock is Jehovah; and oh, how wonderfully has God become the Rock and Refuge of His people in Christ!" He has shown us three things we can bank on in this verse: 1) "God in Christ is our immovable Rock of Refuge, cleft to our hiding place; 2) this Rock is "higher" than we are, and high above all the storms; 3) we need to be "led" there - and that is just what the Holy Spirit does for us in every stormy trial."


God remains faithful!!!!!!!!!!! He alone is our Rock and will always be a safe refuge for those who have received Him by faith in Christ Jesus. (Acts 4:12, John 3:16) He waits for us to run to Him, so don't delay another moment ~ RUN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!


"The name of the LORD is a strong tower; the righteous run to it and are safe."

Proverbs 18:10


Note: J. Sidlow Baxter (born in Australia, 1903; died 1999) was a pastor and theologian who authored as many as thirty books. Baxter was raised in Lancashire, England, and attended Spurgeon's College in London before pastoring in England and Scotland, in Northampton and Sunderland.

Encouragement . . . for the Journey

This morning I was reading in Colossians 3 & 4. Both chapters talked about our walk with the Lord and give incredible insight on how to accomplish holy living. Our life is a book open to others and it needs to be pure and unhindered by our own sinful desires. Does your life draw others to Christ by what they see or does it push others away? We are an aroma to God before others. (2 Corinthians 2:14-15) Simply put, we either smell sweet or we stink. What kind of aroma are you giving off today by your actions, attitudes or desires?

Paul goes right to the heart of the matter. He says very clearly, "set your hearts on things above," and "set your minds on things above, not on earthly things." It made me stop and think how often we say those things, but our lives do not show any evidence of change. It is not impossible, but it is a process, so we need to have a spiritual check up every day; making sure no sin has crept back in. Verse 5-8 in chapter 3 are very specific about what we need to keep in check; sexual immorality, impurity, lust, evil desires, greed; all of which he describes as idolatry. Anything that keeps Christ from being the center of our affection is idolatry. Also, he tells us to "get rid of" anger, rage, malice, slander, and filthy language from our tongues, as well as lying.

In 3:12-17, Paul gives us the spiritual prescription. "Therefore as God's chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience. Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity. Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since we as members of the body you were called to peace. And be thankful. Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom, and as you sing psalms, hymns and spiritual songs with gratitude in your hearts to God. And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him."

I love the words of Chuck Swindoll concerning issues that we haven't dealt with. He say, "Don't let another day slip by without taking action on that issue about which you know God has been prompting you." (quote taken from The Living Insights Bible, page 1279, copyright 1996, Zondervan Publishing House) Is there an issue that you haven't dealt with and given to God? No time like the present. God has been patiently waiting for you and with Him is full forgiveness. (1 John 1:9)

We need to set our hearts and minds on Christ and His Word, being careful to walk according to it. We also need to be persistent in prayer. Chapter 4:2 says, "Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful."

South African missionary, Andrew Murray(1828-1917) has said:
"God asks that I carefully stay in close fellowship with Him every day in order that my prayers will be answered."

"Through prayer, God lovingly reveals areas in our lives that need to change."

"A life of prayer will make a life of love to Christ, to other Christians, and to those without Christ."

"Prayer is the one power on earth that commands the power of heaven."

"God will hear my prayer when I hold unflinching confidence in the power of His promise."

"To pray is to enter into God's presence, commit my need to Him, and leave it there."
(quotes taken from the booklet, 199 Treasures of Wisdom on Talking with God, copyright 2007 Barbour Publishing, Inc.)

In God's presence there is peace. In God's presence there is power. In God's presence there is protection. In God's presence there is purpose. In God's presence there is prevailing grace. Time spent in His presence will keep our focus fully on Him and help us set our hearts and minds on the things that bring Him glory.

"Hear my cry, O God;
listen to my prayer.
From the ends of the earth I call to You,
I call as my heart grows faint;
lead me to the Rock that is higher than I."
Psalm 61-1-2

Encouragement . . . for the Journey

This morning I was reading an article (May 2010, Decision Magazine, page 20,21)) taken from an excerpt from the book, Fear Not Tomorrow, God is Already There, written by "Bunny" Ruth Graham (daughter of Billy & Ruth Graham). It talked about trusting God when life's experiences are overwhelming and your list of unanswered questions continue to grow.

In the article, Bunny says, "You can take a step forward with all your unresolved questions and invite God to reveal Himself. It's OK to live with what I call "unfinishedness." I think about my mother and how "finished" she looked in her relationship with God -- as if everything were settled, everything clear. But when you read Mother's poetry, you discover she was anything but finished. She simply learned to live with her questions and trust God anyway.


Why not bring your questions along as you walk forward to discover more about God? Ask Him to help you in your battle with fear. Ask Him to help you overcome your misperceptions of Him so you can trust Him for tomorrow. God longs to reveal Himself to you. Jesus said about those who love God, "I too will love them and show myself to them" (John 14:21). God wants us to see Him for who He really is."

• When doubt and fear seek to hold you in their grasp with fingers held so tightly you can hardly breathe, what will your response be?
• When your life seems to be falling apart, what will your response be?
• When anxiety seems to keep you trapped, what will your response be?
• When unexpected, devastating events occur in your life, what will your response be?

In the midst of your questions, confusion and chaos, God's voice can be heard. Quietly He whispers these transforming Words:

"I have loved you with an everlasting love; I have drawn you with loving-kindness." Isaiah 31:3

"The LORD is a refuge for the oppressed, a stronghold in times of trouble. Those who know Your name will trust in You, for You, Lord, have never forsaken those who seek You. Psalm 9:9-10

". . . you will be my treasured possession." Exodus 19:5

"Fear of man will prove to be a snare, but whoever trusts in the LORD is kept safe." Proverbs 29:25

". . . there is one who sticks closer than a brother." Proverbs 18:24

"Draw (come - NIV) near to me and I will draw (come) near to you." James 4:8

"The Lord is my Shepherd, I shall not want." Psalm 23:1

"You will keep in perfect peace him whose mind is steadfast, because he trusts in You." Isaiah 26:3

"The LORD confides in those who fear Him; He makes His covenant known to them. My eyes are ever on the LORD, for only He will release my feet from the snare." Psalm 25:14-15

"How great is Your goodness, which You have stored up for those who fear You, which You bestow in the sight of men on those who take refuge in You." Psalm 31:19-20

"I sought the LORD, and He answered me; He delivered me from all my fears." Psalm 34:4

Our faithful God will always be there for us. He will never leave or forsake His own (Hebrews 13:5). He holds us in the palm of His hand and nothing can snatch us out. (John 10:28-29) He is a loving Father, Who continually waits for us to put our trust in Him.

Why don't you do what Bunny Graham's aunt did after her husband died at an early age of an unexpected heart attack. Bunny said that her Aunt Peggy "suffered greatly, but there came a time when I remember her saying, "I'm going to lean into the pain." Whatever her questions, she was going to "lean," trusting God and expecting Him to be there." Will you?

"Blessed are those who have learned to acclaim You,
who walk in the light of Your presence, O LORD.
Psalm 89:15

"The LORD replied, "My Presence will be with you, and I will give you rest."
Exodus 33:14

Encouragement . . . for the Journey

A friend of mines Dad recently had to see a cardiologist. After a thorough examination, the result was stints needed. He's actually having the procedure done today. I'm praying for complete success, quick recovery and peace for my friend.


Whether we recognize it or not, we all have "heart" needs everyday. Have you ever thought about how our Great Physician sees our "heart" needs? When was the last time you went to the Lord for a thorough examination of your heart? His Word shines into the deep recesses and reveals our hearts true condition.

We're reminded in Hebrews that: "The word of God is living and active. Sharper than any two edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart. Nothing in all creation is hidden from God's sight. Everything is uncovered and laid bare before the eyes of Him to whom we must give account." Hebrews 4:12-13

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

LORD,
Let Your living Word penetrate the depths of my heart and soul today. Show me the true condition of my heart and the attitudes within.
I give You ____________________ these areas in which I struggle. Renew, refresh and restore me that I may truly love You with all my heart, soul, mind and strength.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Extra helps:
Psalm 51:10
Hebrews 4:14-16
Ephesians 4:22-24, 29-32
Matthew 22:34-38
Romans 12:1-2

Encouragement . . . for the Journey

How's your speech? You know those words that quickly flow out of your mouth. As women we normally don't have any trouble voicing our opinions or speaking our mind. But how often do we stop to think how MUCH our words affect others around us? Whether it's our family, friends or the checkout person at the grocery store. A good reminder for all of us is to remember that once a word is out of our mouth, it can NEVER be taken back.


So what are we to do? Where do we go for help? As believers in Christ, we go straight to God's Word. His Words are perfect and ALWAYS give us what we need.

"The unfolding of Your Words gives light, it gives understanding to the simple."

Psalm 119:130

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

"Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone." Colossians 4:6

"In your teaching show integrity, seriousness and soundness of speech that cannot be condemned, so that those who oppose you my be ashamed because they have nothing bad to say about us." Titus 2:7-8

"One who loves a pure heart and who speaks with grace will have the king for a friend." Proverbs 22:11

"The speech of the upright rescues them." Proverbs 12:5

"The quiet words of the wise are more to be heeded than the shouts of a ruler of fools." Ecclesiastes 9:17

"Those who guard their mouths and their tongues keep themselves from calamity." Proverbs 21:23

"A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word sirs up anger. The tongue of the wise commends knowledge. Proverbs 15:1-2

"A person finds joy in giving an apt reply -- and how good is a timely word! Proverbs 15:23

"Set a guard over my mouth, O LORD; keep watch over the door of my lips." Psalm 141:3

"He who holds his tongue is wise. The tongue of the righteous is choice silver." Proverbs 10:19-20

"Those who guard their lips preserve their lives." Proverbs 13:3

"The mouths of the righteous utter wisdom, and their tongues speak what is just. The law of their God is in their hearts; their feet do not slip." Psalm 37:20-31

"The hearts of the wise make their mouths prudent, and their lips promote instruction. Gracious words are a honeycomb, sweet to the soul and healing to the bones. Proverbs 16:23-24

"Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen." Ephesians 4:29

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

"May the words of my mouth

and the meditation of my heart

be pleasing in Your sight,

O LORD, my Rock and my Redeemer."

Psalm 19:14

Encouragement . . . for the Journey

As Abigail looked up she saw one of the servants in her home coming toward her. For a fleeting moment, anxiety gripped her heart. She had seen that look of panic many times before. What could be the reason this time? Completely poised, she listened intently as the servant began to speak.

“David send messengers from the desert to give our master his greetings, but he hurled insults at them. Yet these men were very good to us. They did not mistreat us, and the whole time we were in the fields near them nothing was missing. Night and day they were a wall around us all the time we were herding our sheep near them. Now think it over and see what you can do, because disaster is hanging over our master and his whole household. He is such a wicked man that no one can talk to him.”

Losing no time, Abigail set a plan in motion. She chose a path of honor and respect, one in which she would have no regrets, despite her husband’s wicked actions. Incredible blessings were just on the horizon . . .

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In a recent study with a group of women from our church we took a close look at the life of Abigail and those whose lives she touched.

• Her name means Father of joy or cause of joy. She experienced that in God her Father there was a source of joy.

• Was probably trained in a godly home, enabling her to stay focused in her miserable home life.

• Her marriage was probably arranged

• Remained a noble woman despite her horrible situation with an impossible man. Abigail stuck it out

• She didn’t seek divorce

• Remained loyal even to protecting her worthless husband and because of this she had no regrets amid much suffering when her husband died

• Woman of beauty and brains.

(Taken from All the Women of the Bible by Dr. Herbert Lockyer)

1. Read 1 Samuel 25:1-42 for the whole story.
   
   
2. As you read, look for the three main characters. Describe all the qualities and characteristics revealed in these verses.
   
   
3. From what you discovered about each of these individuals, which characteristics best describe you? Be honest.
   
   
4. How would your husband/family members describe your character? Again be honest.
   
   
5. How do you handle unforeseen pressure?
   
   
6. How are you working to make your marriage and the treatment of your husband one of no regrets, like Abigail?
   

Author Eugenia Price calls Abigail, “A Woman with God’s Poise.” She goes on to say, “Only God can give a woman poise like Abigail possessed and God can only do it when a woman is willing to cooperate with Him on every point.”

Abigail did not treat marriage lightly, she was purposeful, persistent and pure. She did not let her circumstances determine who she was. She knew who she was in God her Father and acted accordingly.

Proverbs offers some wonderful insights for us to be better equipped as wives.

Proverbs 11:16, 12:4, 14:1, 15:1, 16:24, 18:10, 21:23, 27:15 and my personal favorite, Proverbs 31:10-31.

Great resource books on Marriage:

Sacred Marriage by Gary Thomas

Sacred Influence by Gary Thomas

Encouragement . . . for the Journey

"Christ be with me, Christ before me, Christ behind me,

Christ deep within me. Christ below me. Christ above me,

Christ at my right hand, Christ at my left hand,

Christ as I lie down, Christ as I arise, Christ as I stand,

Christ in the heart of everyone who thinks of me,

Christ in the mouth of everyone who speaks of me,

Christ in every eye that sees me,

Christ in every ear that hears me."

The Prayer of Saint Patrick

Encouragement . . . for the Journey

This morning I was reading from Treasures from My Utmost for His Highest by Oswald Chambers. (Copyright 1935, Copyright renewed 1963. Published by Barbour Publishing, Inc.) The focus was on love, God's, perfect agape love and our love for our family, friends and all those He brings in our lives. How appropriate since Valentines Day is just around the corner. : ) His comments are priceless and to be treasured, pardon the pun, for many years. Here are a few to enjoy and encourage you on the Journey.

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"I have called you friends." John 15:15

"Love for God is not sentimental, for the saint to love as God loves is a most practical thing."

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"Jesus said, "Feed my sheep." John 21:17

"And Jesus has some extraordinarily funny sheep, some bedraggled sheep, dirty sheep, some awkward, butting sheep, some sheep that have gone astray."

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"And to brotherly kindness, love." 2 Peter 1:7

"God's love to me is inexhaustible, and I must love others from the bedrock of God's love to me."

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"No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us." Romans 8:37

"The bedrock of our Christian faith is the unmerited, fathomless marvel of the love of God exhibited on the Cross of Calvary, a love we never can and never shall merit."

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"That they may be one as we are one." John 17:22

"Love is the outpouring of one personality in fellowship with another personality."

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"Love is patient, love is kind." 1 Corinthians 13:4

"Love is not premeditated, it is spontaneous, i. e., it bursts up in extraordinary ways."

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Encouragement . . . for the Journey

"Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past.

See, I am doing a new thing!

Now it springs up; do you not perceive it?

I am making a way in the desert and streams in the wasteland."

Isaiah 43:18-19

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Lord,

Help me to let go of the past; keep me from dwelling on it.

Help me to remember that things that year happened last are "old news".

Help me not to hold on to unforgiveness or an attitude that's all about me.

Give me a fresh start and help my focus to be on the new things

You're doing in my life this year and the life of my family.

May my walk with You grow deeper as I read Your Word and pray unceasingly.

Regardless of my circumstances, may I see the streams in the desert

as an oasis for my soul.