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