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

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"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