Encouragement . . . for the Journey

Read these words from Focus on the Family that were written many years ago, but still applicable for today.

"Today's generation of kids will go through some incredible pressures, maybe more than any generation in previous days."
"My son, if sinners entice you , do not give in to them." Proverbs 1:10

Pray for your kids/grandkids/nieces/nephews . . .
Father, I pray today for (put kids name) that if sinners entice them, that they will not give in to them. Protect their hearts, desires and actions. In the powerful name of Jesus!!!

Encouragement . . . for the Journey

“The joy of the Lord is my strength.” Nehemiah 8:10c

No matter where I look these days, I see a LOT of people who look as if they need some joy in their lives. Joyless people are everywhere ~ everywhere. We can find them in our neighborhoods, at our local malls, Wal-Mart, the grocery store and yes, even in our churches. Those the winds and storms of life have beaten down. Their circumstances have left them battered, bruised, and broken. Swirling, like the leaves the spring winds twist and turn, their lives seem out of control ~ no hope ~ no peace ~ just turmoil. They’re enveloped in a life of seeming despair with no way out ~ trapped, frustrated and bewildered as to why this is all happening to them. Ever met anyone like that? Or you’re saying to yourself, that’s me!!!

So often we, even as believers in Christ, equate joy and happiness synonymously, but they can be two different things. Happiness oftentimes depends on our outward circumstances and joy that brings complete satisfaction comes from a deep, abiding relationship with Christ. As believers, we need to remind ourselves from time to time things just aren’t always going to be great; circumstances stink and storms come. James 1:2 says, “Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds.” Did I just hear right? Yes. James tells us to consider it pure joy when we’re going through trials. I know you’re thinking, “Why???” I’m glad you asked. The next part of the verse gives an immediate answer.“Because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance.” Verse four goes on to say, “Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.” "We are more than conquerors through Him (Jesus) in all things; not in spite of them (tribulation, suffering, and persecution), but in the midst of them." Oswald Chambers

Because most of the time our circumstances will not change, we have to make a choice whether we will wallow in despair or walk in victory in Christ, choosing His joy. In Isaiah 61:2b-3 God promises, “ . . . to comfort all who mourn, and provide for those who grieve in Zion – to bestow on them a crown of beauty instead of ashes, the oil of gladness instead of mourning, and a garment of praise instead of a spirit of despair. They will be called oaks of righteousness, a planting of the LORD for the display of His splendor.” Reread those verses and take them to heart. Make the choice to walk tall in Him, being a beautiful display of His grace, splendor, and majesty. Don’t allow your circumstances to dictate who you are or how you feel.

I have a friend who has a debilitating disease that will never go away. In fact, when she first got the disease, her husband left her and the prospects of a great career went out the window. During the ten years I’ve known her; I have NEVER heard a word of complaint, despair, or “woe is me” from her mouth ~ only praise. Now I’m not telling you that she’s some super saint, but I am telling you that she has made a choice to rise above her circumstances. She is a delightful lady that everyone loves to be around. Although confined to a wheel chair, she stands tall!!! She is a beautiful display of God’s amazing grace, strength and sustaining power. Are you???

“You turned my wailing into dancing;
you removed my sackcloth and clothed me with joy,
that my heart may sing to You and not be silent,
O LORD my God, I will give thanks forever.” Psalm 30:11-12