Encouragement . . . for the Journey

Father today,
"May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing in your sight, O LORD, my Rock and my Redeemer", for You deserve nothing less.

Psalm 19:14

"Let no unwholesome talk come out of my mouth, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen". Whether I'm at home, at work, with friends, or out shopping, etc. May I not grieve You, O Holy Spirit of God, with whom I am sealed for the day of redemption. Help me to get rid of all bitterness, rage, anger, brawling, slander; along with every form of malice.


Through the power of the Spirit, help me to be kind and compassionate to others, forgiving them just as I have been forgiven by Christ Jesus. Help me to let go of any thought that would hinder me from doing this. Whether I think the one who offended me deserves my forgiveness or not. Give me strength to extend grace, just as you extend grace to me; not by my might, nor by my power, but by You, Holy Spirit; precious Lord God Almighty.

Ephesians 4:29-32; Zechariah 4:6b

Help me to remember that when words are many, sin is not absent, but when I hold my tongue from speaking too quickly, I am wise. May my words be like choice silver and my lips speak only words that nourish and are filled with wisdom.

Proverbs 10:19-20,21,31

"Let my words be controlled by the word of God and my words will be valuable."
Warren Wiersbe, With The Word, Thomas Nelson Publishers.

"Every word of God is flawless;
He is a shield to those who take refuge in Him".

Proverbs 30:5

Encouragement . . . for the Journey

Ladies all of us need to be reminded, from time to time, that what we wear and how we present ourselves does matter. Pray about what you wear. It matters to God ~ hear His words, "Your beauty should not come from outward adornment, such as braided hair and the wearing of gold jewelry and fine clothes. 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

I also want to be quick to say, it's not wrong to look our best with the clothes and accessories we wear. That's not what this passage says. What it implies is that clothes and accessories shouldn't be our focus. Our focus should be our inner beauty.

Just listened to this brief excerpt from Beth Moore on modesty. It came from a study she's written on the book of Esther. By the way, a wonderful study!!!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z3kU0crua1E&feature=youtube_gdata_player

Read the verses again. I love those words, "in God's sight." If He is pleased with what we wear, then we will present ourselves in the right way, regardless of who sees us. Remember, if you are a daughter of the King, you have a reputation to protect ~ HIS.

"But thanks be to God, who always leads us in triumphal procession in Christ and through us spreads everywhere the fragrance of the knowledge of Him. For we are to God the aroma of Christ." 2 Corinthians 2:14-15a

Encouragement . . . for the Journey

Prayer . . . a waiting game or a great adventure

Sometimes prayer can be a waiting game. All of us have been there or are there now waiting on God to answer a request we've given Him. Day by day we lay that request before Him . . . nothing. How do we respond while we wait? Do we ring our hands in anxiety, in frustration, or do we trust His timing? How we wait is a reflection of the trust we have in Him; the faithful One, who only wants what's BEST for us. Praise Him that His delays are never denials. Remember His timing is perfect.

Read the following quote from Dr. David Jeremiah, The Great Adventure this morning. Trust it will be an encouragement to you. "We err when we judge our prayers solely by what we can see happening around us. Prayer is a matter of faith. Prayer is taking God at His word. Prayer is understanding God's promise that if we pray, He will work. And we must keep on praying even when we cannot see what He is doing. We do not see into the world in which God lives, but He definitely sees into ours . . . we will often discover that when God finally answers our prayers, His answer came in a moment in time. We did not know it, but the preparation was going on all the while we were praying."

"Yet God longs to be gracious to you; He rises to show you compassion. For the LORD is a God of justice. Blessed are all who wait on Him!

O, people of Zion, who live in Jerusalem, you will weep no more. How gracious He will be when you cry for help! As soon as He hears, He will answer you.

Although the Lord gives you the bread of adversity
and the water of affliction,
your teachers will be hidden no more; with your won eyes you will see them.

Whether you turn to the right or to the left, your ears will hear a voice behind you, saying, "This is the way; walk in it."

Isaiah 30:18-21