Encouragement . . . for the Journey

Waiting ~ with an expectant heart or with a grumbling heart ~ our CHOICE

How would you describe your attitude when God asks you to wait? Anxious; Annoyed; Disappointed or Trusting; Peaceful; Joyful in the process. In Isaiah 30:18-21, it says, "Therefore the LORD waits to be gracious to you, and therefore He exalts Himself to show mercy to you. For the LORD is a God of justice; blessed are all those who wait for Him. For a people shall dwell in Zion, in Jerusalem; you shall weep no more. He will surely be gracious to you at the sound of your cry. As soon as He hears it, He answers you. And though the Lord gives you the bread of adversity and the water of affliction, yet your Teacher will not hide Himself anymore, but your eyes shall see your Teacher. and your ears shall hear a word behind you, saying, "This is the way, walk in it," when you turn to the right or when you turn to the left." (ESV)

We live in a world of instant gratification, so WHY should we wait? God clearly gives us the answer in James 1:2-4. "Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing." (ESV) The NIV uses the word perseverance rather than steadfastness. He is building our character and shaping us in a way that is for our good and in a way that will bring Him glory.

Several weeks ago at Titus 2 Women, a friend of mine, Christy Sansom shared some thoughts on waiting ~ something we all have to do from time to time. It's how we respond in the waiting process that matters. Christy shared how God taught her as she waited on Him during an illness she experienced a couple of years ago and the blessings she received in the process as she trusted in Him and His perfect design for her life.

After sharing her story, she gave us 7 things the Lord taught her about waiting:
1. Wait actively and seek His face daily. 1 Thessalonians 5:17
2. Be still and listen ~ worship while you wait ~ don't be in such a hurry to get through the process.
3. Pray out loud ~ pray scripture ~ speak against the devils schemes to discourage you while you wait. Ephesians 6:10
4. Keep a journal ~ during your quiet time, write down your thoughts or write out a prayer to the Lord ~ go back and read it later ~ it's a good reminder of God's faithfulness.
5. Don't try to find your way out of the fire ~ let God finish what He wants to accomplish. He'll get you through any suffering and pain you might be experiencing along the way. When you try to escape too quickly, you may have to repeat the process. Words to think about.
6. Don't try to figure out why it's happening ~ trust God's Sovereignty. Ask Him to reveal any sin in your life at this time.
7. Continue serving where He calls you to serve. He may call you out of one area and place you in another. He may also put serving on hold for a season. (For Christy, God put her music ministry on hold during her illness, but gave her another place to serve as she waited ~ she chose to serve Him with joy.)

She also shared the following verses that have to do with waiting and going through trials/suffering.
• James 1:1-12 (especially verses 1-2)
• Ephesians 3:12-13
• 2 Corinthians 4:16-18
• 1 Peter chapters 3-4 (especially 4:12-13, 5:8-10)
• Malachi 3:3 (She also talked about how God uses the refiners fire to burn away impurities.)

As you look at the verses above, ask yourself:
• What impurities are in your life?
• What is God doing to burn away those impurities?
• What is your response as your are going through trial ~ praising Him or complaining?

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Remember "the joy of the Lord is your strength." Nehemiah 8:10c
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Encouragement . . . for the Journey

Friendship/Relationships/Best Friend of all ~ Jesus

I meet with women monthly in a group called Titus 2 Women. This past month we talked about friendship relationships. We discussed some of the qualities we look for in a friend. Here are some of the qualities we came up with: loyal, trustworthy, fun, someone who looks out for your best interest, encourager, truthful and honest, counselor, like-minded, someone you can be real with, compassionate and someone who is a good listener. What are some qualities you look for in a friend that weren’t mentioned?

I’ve had some great friendship relationships over the years ~ a few that really stick out are a friend from first grade, my maid of honor in our wedding and a dear friend when we lived in Virginia. God placed each one of these friends in my life for a short season. Even though I am not in contact with any of them now, they will always have a special place in my heart.

Can you think of a friend who is currently in your life or someone God placed in your life for a season? Have you thanked Him for her (them)? Have you been able to thank, them?

There are many friendship relationships described in the Bible. Take the time to look up their stories: David and Jonathan (1 Samuel 18:1-5), Ruth and Naomi (Ruth), Paul and Barnabus (Acts 11:25-26, and see chapters, 13, 14, 15), Lazarus, Mary, Martha and Jesus (John 11:1-44), John, the beloved and Jesus (John 21:20-24). A few more verses concerning friendship/relationships are found in Eccl. 4:9-12, Prov. 17:17; 18:24; 27:6, 9,17,18, and Romans 12:10.


When we receive Christ, one of the privileges we have in our relationship with Him is that He calls us His friend ~ but how do we treat that friendship? In John 15:12-17, Jesus says, “This is my commandment that you love one another as I have loved you. Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends. You are my friends if you do what I command you. No longer do I call you servants for the servant does not know what his master is doing; but I have called you friends, for all that I have heard from my Father, I have made known to you. You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you that you should go and bear fruit and that your fruit should abide, so that whatever you ask the Father in my name, He may give it to you. These things I command you, so that you will love one another.”

Knowing that Jesus calls us His friend is a priceless gift. Do you take that friendship for granted or do you treasure it? He longs to be your best friend, your first love. (Revelations 2:4-5) Friends come, friends go, some are only in our lives for a season, but Jesus has promised that He will never leave us or forsake us. (Hebrews 13:5)

Remember He is and always will be our faithful friend. Regardless of how we feel or the circumstances surrounding us, we can always count on Him. Jesus is worthy of ALL our praise. Praise Him for He is:

Almighty (Rev. 1:8)
Alpha and Omega (Rev. 1:8; 22:13)
Amen (Rev. 3:14)
Atoning Sacrifice for our Sins (1 John 2:2)
Author of Life (Acts 3:15)
Author and Perfecter of our Faith (Heb. 12:2)
Author of Salvation (Heb. 2:10)
Beginning and End (Rev. 22:13)
Blessed and only Ruler (1 Tim. 6:15)
Bread of Life (John 6:35; 6:48)
Bridegroom (Mt. 9:15)
Bright Morning Star (Rev. 22:16)
Chief Cornerstone (Eph. 2:20)
Chief Shepherd (1 Pet. 5:4)
Christ (1 John 2:22)
Creator (Colossians 1:16)
Deliverer (Rom. 11:26)
Defense (Advocate) (1 John 2:1)
Eternal Life (1 John 1:2; 5:20)
Everlasting Father (Isaiah 9:6)
Faithful and True (Rev. 19:11)
Faithful Witness (Rev. 1:5)
First and Last (Rev. 1:17; 2:8; 22:13)
Firstborn From the Dead (Rev. 1:5)
Firstborn over all creation (Col. 1:15)
Gate (John 10:9)
God (John 1:1; 20:28; Heb. 1:8; Rom. 9:5; 2 Pet. 1:1;1 John 5:20)
Good Shepherd (John 10:11,14)
Great Shepherd (Heb. 13:20)
Great High Priest (Heb. 4:14)
Head of the Church (Eph. 1:22; 4:15; 5:23)
Heir of all things (Heb. 1:2)
High Priest (Heb. 2:17)
Holy and True (Rev. 3:7)
Holy and Righteous One (Acts 3:14)
Hope (1 Tim. 1:1)
Hope of Glory (Col. 1:27)
Horn of Salvation (Luke 1:69)
I Am (John 8:58)
Image of God (2 Cor. 4:4)
Immanuel ~ God with us (Mt. 1:23)
Judge of the living and the dead (Acts 10:42)
King Eternal (1 Tim. 1:17)
King of Israel (John 1:49)
King of the Jews (Mt. 27:11)
King of Kings (1 Tim 6:15; Rev. 19:16)
King of the Ages (Rev. 15:3)
Lamb (Rev. 13:8)
Lamb of God (John 1:29)
Lamb Without Blemish (1 Pet. 1:19)
Last Adam (1 Cor. 15:45)
Life (John 14:6; Col. 3:4)
Light of the World (John 8:12)
Lion of the Tribe of Judah (Rev. 5:5)
Living One (Rev. 1:18)
Living Stone (1 Pet. 2:4)
Lord (2 Pet. 2:20)
Lord of All (Acts 10:36)
Lord of Glory (1 Cor. 2:8)
Lord of Lords (Rev. 19:16)
Man from Heaven (1 Cor. 15:48)
Master (Lk. 5:5; 8:24; 9:33)
Mediator of the New Covenant (Heb. 9:15)
Mighty God (Isa. 9:6))
Offspring of David (Rev. 22:16)
One and only Begotten Son of God (John 1:18; 3:16, 1 John 4:9)
Our Great God and Savior (Titus 2:13)
Our Holiness (1 Cor. 1:30)
Our Husband (2 Cor. 11:2)
Our Protection (2 Thess. 3:3)
Our Redemption (1 Cor. 1:30)
Our Righteousness (1 Cor. 1:30)
Our Sacrificed Passover Lamb (1 Cor. 5:7)
Peace (John 14:27, Col. 3:15)
Power of God (1 Cor. 1:24)
Precious Cornerstone (1 Pet. 2:6)
Prince of Peace (Isaiah 9:6)
Prophet (Acts 3:22)
Rabbi (Mt. 26:25, John 3:2)
Radiance of God's glory (Hebrews 1:3)
Resurrection and Life (John 11:25)
Righteous Branch (Jer. 23:5)
Righteous One (Acts 7:52; 1 John 2:1)
Rock (1 Cor. 10:4)
Root of David (Rev. 5:5; 22:16)
Ruler of God’s Creation (Rev. 3:14)
Ruler of the Kings of the Earth (Rev. 1:5)
Savior (Eph. 5:23; Titus 1:4; 3:6; 2 Pet. 2:20)
Son of David (Lk. 18:39)
Son of God ( Luke 1:35, John 1:49; Heb. 4:14)
Son of Man (Mt. 8:20)
Son of the Most High God (Lk. 1:32)
Source of Eternal Salvation for all who obey Him (Heb. 5:9)
The One Mediator (1 Tim. 2:5)
The Stone the builders rejected (Acts 4:11)
True Bread (John 6:32)
True Light (John 1:9)
True Vine (John 15:1)
Truth (John 1:14; 14:6)
Way (John 14:6)
Wisdom of God (1 Cor. 1:24)
Wonderful Counselor (Isaiah 9:6)
Word (John 1:1)
Word of God (Rev. 19:13)

Encouragement . . . for the Journey

HAVING A GENTLE, quiet SPIRIT WHEN THE WORLD SAYS ROAR

Philippians 4:5 says, "Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near." Not exactly the words you hear in our world today, are they? Actually we hear the opposite, especially as women. We’re encouraged to speak our mind, regardless of who it hurts as long as we get our way and our ideas across.

As believers, rather than listening to the world’s ROAR, we need to be still and listen to God’s voice. His Words and His voice are much quieter. Philippians 4:5 is a command, not a “if I feel like it,” or “if it suits my needs.” No, He tells us to let our gentleness be seen by others.

To be gentle is to be reasonable, fair minded and considerate of others, and exhibit the quality of humility and meekness ~ to all ~ believers and non believers. Matthew 5:5 says, "Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth." In other words, "By giving up your own rights in order to serve others, you will one day receive everything God has in store for you." (Life Application Study Bible, notes, page 1651.)

Meekness is not a sign of weakness; but power under control. It's:

• Power "to give when others take"
• Power "to love when others hate"
• Power "to help when others abuse"
• Serve when you'd rather receive

(Quotations from Life Application Study Bible, notes, page 1651.)

“Your beauty should not come from outward adornment”. . . “Instead, it should be that of your inner self, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is of great worth in God’s sight.” 1 Peter 3:3-4 Too often we put WAY too much focus on what we wear, our make-up and jewelry, neglecting what is of great value to Him, a gentle and quiet spirit. When our security and identity is in Him, we don’t have to put on masks and pretend to be something we’re not. We can take off the masks, stop focusing on self, enjoy life, have homes that are filled with laughter and joy and be those women others are drawn to.

Sooooooooooooo how is gentleness possible? Through Christ and His powerful Word alone. “I can do everything through Him, who gives me strength.” Philippians 4:13.

• 1 Timothy 6:11-14
• 1 Thessalonians 2:5-7; 4:11
• Exodus 14:14
• Psalm 46:10; 131:1-2
• Proverbs 17:1
• Isaiah 30:15; 32:17-18

If gentleness is an area you’re struggling with, be encouraged by the words of Jesus, “Come unto me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.” Matthew 11:28-30 Pastor Chuck Swindoll says, “. . . instead of increasing our load of anxiety, He promises to make it lighter.” (The Living Insights Bible, page, 1019) Jesus said we are to learn from Him and the way He teaches us is through His Word.

“As for God, His way is perfect; the Word of the LORD is flawless. He is a shield for all who take refuge in Him.” Psalm 18:30. His Word is a shield for our tongue, our attitude, our thoughts and our actions. He WILL always provide the way of escape when we chose to listen and act on what we hear. (See 1 Corinthians 10:13, James 1:22-27)

Are you putting your trust in God’s powerful Word and holding on to it as your shield and refuge or have you chosen to hold on to those things that hinder you from having a gentle, quiet spirit? Things like: unconfessed sin in the area of anxiety, anger, unforgiveness, self-centeredness, etc. (See Psalm 32:3-5, Proverbs 12:25, Philippians 2:2-7; 4:6-7, 1 Peter 5:6-7, Matthew 6:28-30, 33-34, Ephesians 3:22-24, 26-27, 29-32.)

Choose today to surrender whatever is keeping you from having a gentle, quiet spirit and know that Christ will give you victory. Remember, “The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world. On the contrary, they have divine power to demolish strongholds. We demolish every argument and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ.” 2 Corinthians 10:4-5