Hope

"Nobody does very well in marriage, in relationships, at work, psychologically, or in life in general if they're not buoyant.

Getting down is part of life.

Staying down is what will kill you.

If any Christian tells you he's never been discouraged, he's lying.

All of us are going to get down. "You're going to get down this year. It's just going to happen. You may be there right now.

But if you stay down, your education doesn't matter. Your theology doesn't matter. Your skill level doesn't matter. Your financial backing doesn't matter.

If you get down and stay down, you will drown."

The only thing that will keep you from going under is hope.

Hope makes you buoyant.
Hope liberates.
Hope motivates.
Hope initiates.
Hope activates.

That's why hope is so important."

Stay Strong

Strength to the Weary

GROW STRONG IN YOUR WEAKNESS.

Some of My children I've gifted with abundant strength and stamina.

Others, like you, have received the humble gift of frailty.

Your fragility is not a punishment, nor does it indicate lack of faith.

On the contrary, weak ones like you must live by faith, depending on Me to get you through the day.

I am developing your ability to trust Me, to lean on Me, rather than on your understanding.

Your natural preference is to plan out your day, knowing what will happen when.

My preference is for you to depend on Me continually, trusting Me to guide you and strengthen you as needed.

This is how you grow strong in your weakness.

Stay Strong!

Now listen, you who say, "Today or tomorrow we will go to this or that city, spend a year there, carry on business and make money."Why, you do not even know what will happen tomorrow. What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes. Instead, you ought to say, "If it is the Lord's will, we will live and do this or that."
—JAMES 4: 13–15

"Lean on, trust in, and be confident in the Lord with all your heart and mind and do not rely on your own insight or understanding."
—PROVERBS 3: 5 AMP

"Do you not know? Have you not heard? The LORD is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth. He will not grow tired or weary, and his understanding no one can fathom. He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak. Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall; but those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint."
—ISAIAH 40: 28–31

"Who of you by Worrying can add a single hour to his life?”

DEMONSTRATE YOUR TRUST IN ME by sitting quietly in My Presence.

Put aside all that is waiting to be done, and refuse to worry about anything.

This sacred time together strengthens you and prepares you to face whatever the day will bring.

By waiting with Me before you begin the day's activities, you proclaim the reality of My living Presence.

This act of faith—waiting before working—is noted in the spirit world, where your demonstration of trust weakens principalities and powers of darkness.

The most effective way to resist evil is to draw near Me.

When you need to take action, I will guide you clearly through My Spirit and My Word.

The world is so complex and overstimulating that you can easily lose your sense of direction.

Doing countless unnecessary activities will dissipate your energy.

When you spend time with Me, I restore your sense of direction.

As you look to Me for guidance, I enable you to do less but accomplish more.

Happy Sunday - Stay Strong!

Then Jesus said to his disciples: "Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat; or about your body, what you will wear. . . . Consider the ravens: They do not sow or reap, they have no storeroom or barn; yet God feeds them. And how much more valuable you are than birds! Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life?"
—LUKE 12: 22–25

For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places.
—EPHESIANS 6: 12 NKJV

Commit to the LORD whatever you do, and your plans will succeed.
—PROVERBS 16: 3

Today's message!!

For anyone struggling with a decision or a crossroads this is perfect advice!

Or as Nike paraphrased 5000 years later...Just Do It!! :)

Stay Strong!

Only One Thing is Necessary

As you rush through your day today and deal with the daily battles and challenges that inevitably arise, try to take a quiet second to pause, escape to a quiet place, and remember what truly matters in this life.

We are not here on this earth a long time and we never know when we may be called Home.

Therefore try to focus on the things that matter eternally - love, kindness, faith, family, friends, helping those in need.

Whatever storm you face today, regardless of the magnitude or strength, it will surely pass and you will emerge just fine!

In fact, you will emerge STRONGER and better equipped for any future storms that come your way!

The passage below sums it up for me - I hope the same is true for you as you battle the temporary storms of this world!

Never forget these four, true words - This too shall pass!

Stay Strong!

"Martha is running around the kitchen gathering ingredients, and it really bothers her that Mary has not lifted a finger to help.

God in the flesh is sitting in her home, revealing truths hidden from ages past, but Martha is too worried about getting the meal prepared to listen to a sermon.

Mary sits at the feet of Jesus, taking in every word.

Finally, Martha stomps into the living room and interrupts the Bible study.

With hands on her hips, she commands Jesus to do something about it.

"Lord, do You not care that my sister has left me to do all the serving alone? Then tell her to help me" (Luke 10: 40).

Jesus answers, "Martha, Martha, you are worried and bothered about so many things; but only one thing is necessary, for Mary has chosen the good part, which shall not be taken away from her" (Luke 10: 41– 42)."

God Will Come Through

Blessed is the man who makes the Lord his trust..."
(Psalm 40:4, ESV)

Choose to Trust
Trusting in the Lord is a decision we make just like we would choose anything else in life.

You chose what to wear today, you probably chose what you would have for breakfast, and you can choose to trust God today, too!

When you choose to trust God, there is a peace that settles on the inside of your heart.

There are blessings in store for you when you trust Him.

No matter what you are facing in life today, have faith that God will come through for you.

Trust that His Word is always true.

In Psalm 32, David calls God his "hiding place."

In other words, not only can you choose to trust God in the midst of your difficulty, you can actually hide in Him and find rest for your soul.

When the circumstances of life seem overwhelming, choose to trust that God is ordering your steps.

Find security in Him knowing that He's making your crooked places straight and leading you into the everlasting life He has prepared for you!

A Prayer for Today
"Father, today I choose to put my trust in You. I know that You are a good and faithful God, and I trust that You have my best interest at heart. Help me stay focused on Your goodness today in Jesus' name. Amen."

Stay Strong! "Twofer" Friday!!  Enjoy the weekend! :)

Antidote for All Fear

GOD WILL HIDE YOU FROM DANGER

Psalm 27:5.   "He will conceal me in His shelter in the day of adversity; He will hide me under the cover of His tent."

Do you ever feel like everyone is out to get you?

I know it sounds a little paranoid, but there are days when it just seems we can't get a break and that everything and everyone is marshaled against us.

In the early verses of Psalm 27, David spoke of evildoers who came against him to devour his flesh.

He even spoke of the possibility of an army being deployed against him.

That's because when God rejected Saul as king and chose David in his place, Saul sent his army to destroy him—the one man who was the imminent threat to his kingly reign.

Thus, David's fear was well grounded.

Today you may be facing both adversaries and circumstances that seem overwhelming.

How should you respond?

Let's take a lesson from David.

Listen to the dramatic beginning to Psalm 27—

"The Lord is my light and my salvation—whom should I fear? The Lord is the stronghold of my life—of whom shall I be afraid?"

David made two profound declarations about the Lord, followed by two questions.

If the Lord is your light, your salvation, and the stronghold of your life, is there anyone or anything you should fear?

The answer is an obvious "no one"and "nothing."

How did David summon such courage in the face of opposition?

He sought God's presence with passionate intensity.

David knew that God's presence was the antidote for all fear.

He spoke of God concealing him and covering him with his tent.

These images probably relate to the large traveling tent called the Tabernacle, which was the place of worship and the symbol of God's presence among his people.

This tent appeared too flimsy to offer any protection from one's enemy.

But it was not so much the substance of the place of worship as it was the substance of the God of worship.

In Psalm 32:7, David declared: "You are my hiding place;
You protect me from trouble;
You surround me with joyful shouts of deliverance."

Find your shelter in his presence."

Stay Strong and have an amazing weekend!

Stronger than Before....

...my soul takes refuge in You..."
(Psalm 57:1, NASB)

Confidence in Him
Confidence is strength that comes from knowing that God has chosen you and equipped you for everything in life today.

It doesn't matter what you may be facing, you can find confidence in God.

Know this, for every challenge, God has a solution.

He wants to turn your obstacle into an opportunity.

He wants to bring you out stronger than before.

He wants to take you to higher places and let your soul find refuge and shelter in Him.

When your confidence is in God, you can rest in the midst of the storms of life.

Take a step of faith today and begin to thank Him for working in your life.

Thank Him for the confidence that He has promised you.

Remember, God is at work on your behalf.

He will fill your heart with His peace, confidence and power to move forward into the abundant life He has for you!

A Prayer for Today
"Father, I come to You today with an open and humble heart. I give You my concerns and worries and ask You to fill me with Your peace and confidence today in Jesus' name.
Amen."

Stay Strong!

Let Not your Heart be Troubled

I found this reminder passage below to be particularly extraordinary and truly inspirational! 

I hope you do as well... :)

Have a Terrific and Peaceful Wednesday!

Stay Strong!

"TRUST ME in the midst of a messy day.

Your inner calm—your Peace in My Presence—need not be shaken by what is going on around you.

Though you live in this temporal world, your innermost being is rooted and grounded in eternity.

When you start to feel stressed, detach yourself from the disturbances around you.

Instead of desperately striving to maintain order and control in your little world, relax and remember that circumstances cannot touch My Peace.

Seek My Face, and I will share My mind with you, opening your eyes to see things from My perspective.

Do not let your heart be troubled, and do not be afraid.

The Peace I give is sufficient for you."

Stay Strong!

"I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world."
—JOHN 16: 33

"Look to the LORD and his strength; seek his face always."
—PSALM 105: 4

"Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid."
—JOHN 14:

PC to Deb B last night - Milton Harbor! Wow...

Unswerving Faithfulness

"Why, O Lord, do you stand far off? (Psalm 10: 1)

God is an ever-present help in trouble"(Ps. 46: 1).

But He allows trouble to pursue us, as though He were indifferent to its overwhelming pressure, so we may be brought to the end of ourselves.

Through the trial, we are led to discover the treasure of darkness and the immeasurable wealth of tribulation.

We may be sure that He who allows the suffering is with us throughout it.

It may be that we will only see Him once the ordeal is nearly passed, but we must dare to believe that He never leaves our trial.

Our eyes are blinded so we cannot see the One our soul loves.

The darkness and our bandages blind us so that we cannot see the form of our High Priest.

Yet He is there and is deeply touched.

Let us not rely on our feelings but trust in His unswerving faithfulness.

And though we cannot see Him, let us talk to Him.

Although His presence is veiled, once we begin to speak to Jesus as if He were literally present, an answering voice comes to show us He is in the shadow, keeping watch over His own.

Your Father is as close to you when you journey through the darkest tunnel as He is when you are under the open heaven!"        

    - from Daily Devotional Commentary

Stay Strong!

Strengthen and Empower

"'...how can we know the way?' Jesus answered, 'I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.'"
(John 14:5–6, NIV)

The Way
Do you need direction in your life today?

Not only is Jesus the way to life in eternity, but Jesus is the way to everything you need in this life here on earth.

Do you need to know the way out of debt?

Look to Jesus.

Do you need to know the way to having better relationships...
the way to overcome an addiction...
the way to live in peace and joy?

When you know Jesus, you know the Way!

No matter what you are facing today, no matter what challenges or obstacles are in your life, He will make a way for you even when you don't see how.

God loves you so much that He wants to strengthen and empower you to live in total victory.

That's why He sent His Son, Jesus, to this earth—to show you the way to live an abundant life!

Open your heart and receive all that God has for you through Jesus.

He is the way, and He made a way for you to live in victory in every area of your life!

A Prayer for Today
"Father, thank You for sending Your Son, Jesus, to show me the way. I receive Your truth and commit my heart to You. I invite You into every area of my being and choose to follow You all the days of my life in Jesus' name!
Amen."
-JO

Stay Strong!

Trust Me and Don't be Afraid

TRUST ME, and Don't be Afraid.

I want you to view trials as exercises designed to develop your trust-muscles.

You live in the midst of fierce spiritual battles, and fear is one of Satan's favorite weapons.

When you start to feel afraid, affirm your trust in Me.

Speak out loud, if circumstances permit.

Resist the devil in My Name, and he will slink away from you.

Refresh yourself in My holy Presence.

Speak or sing praises to Me, and My Face will shine radiantly upon you.

Remember that there is no condemnation for those who belong to Me.

You have been judged NOT GUILTY for all eternity.

Trust Me, and don't be afraid; for I am your Strength, Song, and Salvation.

Stay Strong!

"Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.'
—JAMES 4: 7

"Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus, because through Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit of life set me free from the law of sin and death."
—ROMANS 8: 1–2

"Surely God is my salvation; I will trust and not be afraid. The LORD, the LORD, is my strength and my song; he has become my salvation."
—ISAIAH 12:2

Delight in your Trials

Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again:  Rejoice!
     (Philippians 4: 4)

It is a good thing to "rejoice in the Lord."

Perhaps you have tried it but seemed to fail at first.

Don't give it a second thought, and forge ahead.

Even when you cannot feel any joy, there is no spring in your step, nor any comfort or encouragement in your life, continue to rejoice and "consider it pure joy"(James 1: 2).

"Whenever you face trials of many kinds"(James 1: 2), regard it as joy, delight in it, and God will reward your faith.

Do you believe that your heavenly Father will let you carry the banner of His victory and joy to the very front of the battle, only to calmly withdraw to see you captured or beaten back by the enemy?

NEVER!

His Holy Spirit will sustain you in your bold advance and fill your heart with gladness and praise.

You will find that your heart is exhilarated and refreshed by the fullness within."

Happy Saturday and Stay Strong!

Unwavering Strength

Surely I am with you always.
(Matthew 28: 20)

Never look ahead to the changes and challenges of this life in fear.

Instead, as they arise look at them with the full assurance that God, whose you are, will deliver you out of them.

Hasn't He kept you safe up to now?

So hold His loving hand tightly, and He will lead you safely through all things.

And when you cannot stand, He will carry you in His arms.

Do not look ahead to what may happen tomorrow.

The same everlasting Father who cares for you today will take care of you tomorrow and every day.

Either He will shield you from suffering or He will give you His unwavering strength that you may bear it.

Be at peace, then, and set aside all anxious thoughts and worries.
      --  Francis de Sales

The Lord is my shepherd.
Psalm 23: 1

Not was, not may be, nor will be.

"The Lord IS my shepherd."

He is on Sunday, on Monday, and through every day of the week.

He is in January, in December, and every month of the year.

He is when I'm at home and in China.

He is during peace or war, and in times of abundance or poverty.
     - J. Hudson Taylor

Stay Strong!

Promise of Peace -Today!

"I will listen to what God the Lord says; he promises peace to his people..."
(Psalm 85:8, NIV)

The Promises of Peace
No matter what is going on in your life right now, the Lord promises that you can have peace.

It doesn't matter what's happening in the economy, in your relationships or at the office; nothing in this world can take His peace from you.

But notice the first part of this verse—we have to do our part.

We have to listen to what He tells us to do.

You may be thinking to yourself, "God doesn't speak to me."

But once you receive Jesus as your Lord and Savior, you become His.

The Bible says that you are His sheep, and you can hear His voice, and the voice of a stranger you will not follow.

The Lord speaks in many ways.

First of all, He speaks through the Word of God.

But sometimes, He speaks through the encouragement of a friend, or through a song, or in the beauty of nature.

Sometimes it's a simple "knowing" deep down on the inside of you in your spirit.

If you aren't sure how God speaks to you, ask Him to teach you.

Open your heart and be willing to hear His voice.

As you take time to be still and listen to Him, He will speak.

He will reveal Himself to you and give you peace all the days of your life.

A Prayer for Today
"Father, thank You for Your promise of peace. Today, I open my heart to You and ask that You teach me to hear Your voice clearly. I will listen, I will obey, and I will walk in Your ways in Jesus' name. Amen."

-J. Osteen

Stay Strong!

My Doing

Happy Wednesday!

Below is one of my favorite, inspirational passages to date.

It is a tad long but please try to read it all as I think you will find it a worthwhile and powerful message regardless of where you are on your current path and regardless of the challenges you face today! 

:)   Stay Strong!

This is my doing.
  -  (1 Kings 12: 24)

The disappointments of life are simply the hidden appointments of love.
- C. A. Fox

My child, I have a message for you today.

Let me whisper it in your ear so any storm clouds that may arise will shine with glory, and the rough places you may have to walk will be made smooth.

It is only four words, but let them sink into your inner being, and use them as a pillow to rest your weary head:

"This is my doing."

Have you ever realized that whatever concerns you concerns Me too?

"You are precious and honored in my sight"(Isa. 43: 4).

Therefore it is My special delight to teach you.

I want you to learn when temptations attack you, and the enemy comes in "like a pent-up flood"(Isa. 59: 19), that "this is my doing" and that your weakness needs My strength, and your safety lies in letting Me fight for you.

Are you in difficult circumstances, surrounded by people who do not understand you, never ask your opinion, and always push you aside?

"This is my doing."

I am the God of circumstances.

You did not come to this place by accident—you are exactly where I meant for you to be.

Have you not asked Me to make you humble?

Then see that I have placed you in the perfect school where this lesson is taught.

Your circumstances and the people around you are only being used to accomplish My will.

Are you having problems with money, finding it hard to make ends meet?

"This is my doing," for I am the One who keeps your finances, and I want you to learn to depend upon Me.

My supply is limitless and I "will meet all your needs"(Phil. 4: 19).

I want you to prove My promises so no one may say, "You did not trust in the Lord your God"(Deut. 1: 32).

Are you experiencing a time of sorrow?

"This is my doing."

I am "a man of sorrows, and familiar with suffering"(Isa. 53: 3).

I have allowed your earthly comforters to fail you, so that by turning to Me you may receive "eternal encouragement and good hope"(2 Thess. 2: 16).

Have you longed to do some great work for Me but instead have been set aside on a bed of sickness and pain?

"This is my doing.

"You were so busy I could not get your attention, and I wanted to teach you some of My deepest truths.

"They also serve who only stand and wait."

In fact, some of My greatest workers are those physically unable to serve, but who have learned to wield the powerful weapon of prayer.

Today I place a cup of holy oil in your hands.

Use it freely, My child.

Anoint with it every new circumstance, every word that hurts you, every interruption that makes you impatient, and every weakness you have.

The pain will leave as you learn to see Me in all things."

-Laura A. Barter Snow

Allow Me to Fight for You

Everyone has problems in this world.

No one escapes that fact.

Sure, some problems that people face pale in comparison to others' trials and challenges.

That is always going to be a reality.

But therein lies the crux of why we must count our many blessings no matter the circumstance or storm we find ourselves battling today!

Whatever you are dealing with in your life today, remember that it can always be worse!  And there are people we know that are in the midst of their trials that would gladly exchange places with you and I in a heartbeat.

Pray for them and give thanks for your battle.

We were never promised a life of ease and perfect bliss.

The Promise was that we would NEVER have to endure our storms and adversities alone and we would NEVER be given more than we could handle!

Embrace the storm and know that you will get through it stronger and more peaceful than when you began!

Give Thanks and be Grateful - in times of joy but even more especially in times of strife and challenge!

Happy Tuesday - Stay Strong! :)

"EXPECT TO ENCOUNTER ADVERSITY in your life, remembering that you live in a deeply fallen world.

Stop trying to find a way that circumvents difficulties.

The main problem with an easy life is that it masks your need for Me.

When you became a Christian, I infused My very Life into you, empowering you to live on a supernatural plane by depending on Me.

Anticipate coming face to face with impossibilities: situations totally beyond your ability to handle.

This awareness of your inadequacy is not something you should try to evade.

It is precisely where I want you—the best place to encounter Me in My Glory and Power.

When you see armies of problems marching toward you, cry out to Me!

Allow Me to fight for you.

Watch Me working on your behalf, as you rest in the shadow of My Almighty Presence."

"After this I heard what sounded like the roar of a great multitude in heaven shouting: "Hallelujah! Salvation and glory and power belong to our God."
—REVELATION 19: 1

"He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty."
—PSALM 91: 1

- From "Jesus Calling"

Photo taken Jan 21, 2014 - Rye Beach DSF

Find Strength; Fear Not

FIND ME in the midst of the maelstrom.

Sometimes events whirl around you so quickly that they become a blur.

Whisper My Name in recognition that I am still with you.

Without skipping a beat in the activities that occupy you, you find strength and Peace through praying My Name.

Later, when the happenings have run their course, you can talk with Me more fully.

Accept each day just as it comes to you.

Do not waste your time and energy wishing for a different set of circumstances.

Instead, trust Me enough to yield to My design and purposes.

Remember that nothing can separate you from My loving Presence; you are Mine.

Stay Strong!

"Therefore God exalted him to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father."
—PHILIPPIANS 2: 9–11

"But now, this is what the LORD says—he who created you, O Jacob, he who formed you, O Israel: "Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have summoned you by name; you are mine."
—ISAIAH 43: 1

Renewed Strength and Peace

MEET ME in early morning splendor.

I eagerly await you here.

In the stillness of this holy time with Me,

I renew your strength and saturate you with Peace.

While others turn over for extra sleep or anxiously tune in to the latest news, you commune with the Creator of the universe.

I have awakened in your heart strong desire to know Me.

This longing originated in Me, though it now burns brightly in you.

When you seek My Face in response to My Love-call, both of us are blessed.

This is a deep mystery, designed more for your enjoyment than for your understanding.

I am not a dour God who discourages pleasure.

I delight in your enjoyment of everything that is true, noble, right, pure, lovely, admirable.

Think on these things, and My Light in you will shine brighter day by day.

Stay Strong!

"But those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint."
—ISAIAH 40: 31

"One thing I ask of the LORD, this is what I seek: that I may dwell in the house of the LORD all the days of my life, to gaze upon the beauty of the LORD and to seek him in his temple."
—PSALM 27: 4

"Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things."
—PHILIPPIANS 4: 8

Ask, Seek, Knock - Thank!

"And whatever you do, don't let go.

In Matthew 7: 7, Jesus said,

"Ask and you shall receive.
Seek and you shall find.
Knock and the door shall be opened to you."

Ask, Seek, and Knock.

Each of these words is in the aorist future perfect verb tense in the Greek, which means:
keep on asking—
keep on seeking—
keep on knocking!

After you make your petition to God, you are still not finished with all asking means.

One final step remains—the affirmation that your prayer will be answered.

Have you really prayed in faith?

Are you confident your requests lie within the will of God?

Then you need not hesitate to thank Him that He is going to answer.

When you go to the bank to cash a check, you don't hesitate to expect the funds. Why?

Because you have confidence in the one who wrote the check and the bank's ability to fund it.

You simply present your claim and expect the results.

To thank God in advance is to affirm your confidence in the forthcoming answer.

If you pray for someone who is sick, don't labor over thoughts and prayers of their sickness.

Pray and think of the health Christ gives.

When you think of one with a broken arm, don't think of the break, but pray and thank God for His healing power and the glory God will receive in their healing.

That is positive praying.

When you finish your prayer of intercession, don't get up—stay on your knees and thank God in advance that He has already answered your prayer.

Get up, go your way, and don't check up on God or make other provision in case it doesn't happen.

Believe Him -
Thank Him -
and leave it there."

-From "The Power of Positive Praying"

Stay Strong!

Help in our Weakness

COME TO ME when you are weak and weary.

Rest snugly in My everlasting arms.

I do not despise your weakness, My child.

Actually, it draws Me closer to you, because weakness stirs up My compassion—My yearning to help.

Accept yourself in your weariness, knowing that I understand how difficult your journey has been.

Do not compare yourself with others, who seem to skip along their life-paths with ease.

Their journeys have been different from yours, and I have gifted them with abundant energy.

I have gifted you with fragility, providing opportunities for your spirit to blossom in My Presence.

Accept this gift as a sacred treasure: delicate, yet glowing with brilliant Light.

Rather than struggling to disguise or deny your weakness, allow Me to bless you richly through it.

Stay Strong!

"A bruised reed he will not break, and a smoldering wick he will not snuff out. In faithfulness he will bring forth justice."
—ISAIAH 42: 3

"Though the mountains be shaken and the hills be removed, yet my unfailing love for you will not be shaken nor my covenant of peace be removed,"says the LORD, who has compassion on you."
—ISAIAH 54: 10

"In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groans that words cannot express."
—ROMANS 8: 26

Strength and Power

"He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak."
(Isaiah 40:29, NIV)

He Gives Strength
Have you ever felt backed into a corner about a particular situation, and you couldn't see a way out?

We've all felt overwhelmed at one time or another.

Be encouraged today because the Bible says that when you cry to God for help He will hear you and answer you!

He will give you strength when you are weary and power when you feel weak.

No matter what is going on in your life today, God is greater than any obstacle or difficulty you may be facing.

Do you need strength to overcome a challenge in your life?

Do you need power to stand strong in the midst of a storm?

Call on Him and He will hear you.

The answer is on the way while the words are still on your lips!

Open your heart today, receive His strength, and let Him empower you to live in victory all the days of your life!

A Prayer for Today
"Father, thank You for hearing and answering my prayers. Fill me with Your strength and power today. I give You my whole heart and surrender to Your work in me in Jesus' name. Amen."

Stay Strong!

Hope and Confidence

Yes, my soul, find rest in God; my hope comes from him."
(Psalm 62:5, NIV)

Hope Comes from Him
God is constantly planting seeds of hope and victory in your life.

He's constantly speaking to your heart and encouraging faith.

Often times, when we're anxious and worried, it's difficult to hear His voice of hope and confidence.

But when we stop and quiet ourselves, when we find rest in Him, we can more easily recognize His voice of hope.

The Bible says that faith gives substance to the things we hope for.

In other words, your hope gives your faith something to work toward.

Hope is the foundation for your faith.

If the cares of this world have left you frustrated and empty, make the decision right now to open your heart and allow the Lord to deposit His hope on the inside of you.

It doesn't matter what you are facing today or what's happened in your past, there is hope for the future.

Believe it and receive it today!

Hope comes from Him!

A Prayer for Today
"Father, thank You for the gift of hope. I receive it by faith today. Thank You for lifting me up into heavenly places with You. Use me for Your glory and show me how to be a vessel of hope to those who are around me today in Jesus' name. Amen."

- J. Osteen

Stay Strong!

A Light for your Path

RELAX IN MY HEALING, holy Presence.

Allow Me to transform you through this time alone with Me.

As your thoughts center more and more on Me, trust displaces fear and worry.

Your mind is somewhat like a seesaw.

As your trust in Me goes up, fear and worry automatically go down.

Time spent with Me not only increases your trust; it also helps you discern what is important and what is not.

Energy and time are precious, limited entities.

Therefore, you need to use them wisely, focusing on what is truly important.

As you walk close to Me, saturating your mind with Scripture, I will show you how to spend your time and energy.

My Word is a lamp to your feet; My Presence is a Light for your path.

Stay Strong!

See then that you walk circumspectly, not as fools but as wise, redeeming the time, because the days are evil.
—EPHESIANS 5: 15–16 NKJV

Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light for my path.
—PSALM 119: 105

Tempest

I send this today in loving memory of a beautiful soul and child of God that we lost this week, Joanne Mayne.

Joanne, through her actions and throughout her courageous battle, personified courage, faith, perseverance, trust, family, and possessed a true child-like approach to life, love and to her Faith in the good Lord.

We are suffering today in her absence and her departure leaves a massive hole in all of our hearts, but she would want us all to remember that she is now Home and without pain or illness and we will indeed be with her again - hearing her laugh and seeing her beautiful smile! 

Of this we must be certain!

Rest in Peace, Joanne and watch over all of us until we can thank you in person for enriching all of our lives by simply being who you are! :)

"The main thing is to suffer without becoming discouraged."
     -  François Fénelon

We all suffer.

Some have more suffering in their lives than others, some have less.

Some have greater degrees of suffering than others and make our daily issues look like blessings.

Many of us are going through tough times, personal strife and situations that are full of fear and anxiety as we speak.

Some of us are struggling to keep hope alive as we move through our challenges and try to keep on charging forward.

Some of us are grappling with our Faith in the face of a personal loss or disappointment.

To quote one of my all-time favorite movies,  "The Princess Bride";

"Life is pain, Highness.  Anyone who tells you differently is selling you something."

We were never promised that life would be trial-free or even relatively easy!

Jesus' promise to us instead was that we would never be given more than His grace and strength would allow us to handle!

We cannot avoid pain and suffering in this life and the sooner that we can grasp this and accept our struggles, trials,  challenges as they arise,  the more peace and fulfillment we will experience.

The key is indeed to not become discouraged as we fight these battles and push forward!!!

No matter our current circumstance - no matter what it is we are facing this very moment -  if we can remain hopeful, faithful, and do not allow ourselves an ounce of discouragement or quit - whatever we are undergoing will surely pass!!!

Persevere - with courage and faith that you are EXACTLY where you are meant to be at this very moment - good or bad - and know that whatever your struggle may be it is merely temporary!!!!

It will get better!!

The best is yet to come if we promise ourselves that no matter how rough the seas get or how strong the current may seem to be against us - NOTHING CAN DEFEAT US if we persevere - if we resolve to never quit!

We must TRUST and BELIEVE that this test of our strength and faith will not only pass, but it will also take us to much higher ground and one giant leap closer to peace and joy!!

You are not alone in your strife and trials - so put your head down and keep charging forward - never doubting the reward and prize that awaits us as we overcome and persevere through this current, temporary Tempest!

Even the darkest and longest nights yield to the breaking sun - if, and only if we hang on and see it through with Thanksgiving, Hope and Trust!

Know for certain that you are never alone in your battles and you will make it to the dawn!

This is a Promise we can believe in!

STAY STRONG!

[Stay Strong] Storms...

And there arose a great storm
   (Mark 4:37).

Some of the storms of life come suddenly: a great sorrow, a bitter disappointment, a crushing defeat. A senseless tragedy.

Some come slowly.

They appear upon the ragged edges of the horizon no larger than a man's hand, but, trouble that seems so insignificant spreads until it covers the sky and overwhelms us.

Yet it is in the storm that God equips us for service.

When God wants an oak He plants it on the moor where the storms will shake it and the rains will beat down upon it, and it is in the midnight battle with elements that the oak wins its rugged fibre and becomes the king of the forest.

When God wants to make a man He puts him into some storm.

The history of manhood is always rough and rugged.

No man is made until he has been out into the surge of the storm and found the sublime fulfillment of the prayer:

"O God, take me, break me, make me."

We all have our daily battles and challenges. 

Some are minor and some are more serious, but at the end of the day the bottom line is that one fact remains true always - this too shall pass!

You may not see the clearing of the storm just yet and all hope might be close to lost, but you have to live to fight one more day!

There may not be any answers or reason for the storm.

But remember that it will always get better.

It is a fact - not just a hope!

Time will help heal the painful wounds of today - even if we cannot seem to imagine the day where things will resemble any normalcy.

You will get there!

You are not alone!

Stay Strong!!

Trust When Things Go Wrong

WHEN THINGS SEEM to be going all wrong, stop and affirm your trust in Me.

Calmly bring these matters to Me, and leave them in My capable hands.

Then, simply do the next thing.

Stay in touch with Me through thankful, trusting prayers, resting in My sovereign control.

Rejoice in Me—exult in the God of your salvation!

As you trust in Me, I make your feet like the feet of a deer.

I enable you to walk and make progress upon your high places of trouble , suffering, or responsibility.

Stay Strong!

"Though He slay me, yet will I trust Him. Even so, I will defend my own ways before Him."
—JOB 13: 15 NKJV

"He makes my feet like the feet of a deer; he enables me to stand on the heights."
—PSALM 18: 33

Do Not Fret

SIT QUIETLY IN MY PRESENCE while I bless you.

Make your mind like a still pool of water, ready to receive whatever thoughts I drop into it.

Rest in My sufficiency, as you consider the challenges this day presents.

Do not wear yourself out by worrying about whether you can cope with the pressures.

Keep looking to Me and communicating with Me, as we walk through this day together.

Take time to rest by the wayside, for I am not in a hurry.

A leisurely pace accomplishes more than hurried striving.

When you rush, you forget who you are and Whose you are.

Remember that you are royalty in My kingdom.

Stay Strong!

"Be still before the LORD and wait patiently for him; do not fret when men succeed in their ways, when they carry out their wicked schemes."
—PSALM 37: 7

"The Spirit himself testifies with our spirit that we are God's children. Now if we are children, then we are heirs—heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ, if indeed we share in his sufferings in order that we may also share in his glory."
—ROMANS 8: 16–17

"But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people belonging to God, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light."
—1 PETER 2: 9

Don't Worry and Endure

HOLD MY HAND, and walk joyously with Me through this day.

Together we will savor the pleasures and endure the difficulties it brings.

Be on the lookout for everything I have prepared for you: stunning scenery, bracing winds of adventure, cozy nooks for resting when you are weary, and much more.

I am your Guide, as well as your constant Companion.

I know every step of the journey ahead of you, all the way to heaven.

You don't have to choose between staying close to Me and staying on course.

Since I am the Way, staying close to Me is staying on course.

As you focus your thoughts on Me, I will guide you carefully along today's journey.

Don't worry about what is around the next bend.

Just concentrate on enjoying My Presence and staying in step with Me.

Stay Strong!

"Jesus answered, "I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me."
—JOHN 14: 6

"Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful."
—COLOSSIANS 4: 2

Through the Clouds

THE SUN STILL SHINING

"They looked . . . and behold, the glory of the LORD appeared in the cloud."
EXODUS 16: 10

Without the clouds we wouldn't be shielded from the burning sun.

Without the clouds there would be no lavish sunsets, no beneficial rain, no beautiful landscapes.

The same is true with life's clouds.

When hard times come we easily get discouraged.

But behind the clouds God is still present, and can even use them to water our souls with unexpected blessings.

Longfellow once wrote: "Be still, sad heart, and cease repining; behind the clouds is the sun still shining."

As God's people wandered in the wilderness, He declared, "Behold, I come to you in the thick cloud"(Ex. 19: 9).

Each of us experiences clouds in life—sometimes slight, but sometimes dark and frightening.

Whatever clouds you face today, ask Jesus, the light of the world, to help you look behind the cloud to see His glory and His plans for you."

"Hope for Each Day"
- B Graham

Stay Strong!

Never Leave You nor Forsake You

NOTHING CAN SEPARATE YOU from My Love.

Let this divine assurance trickle through your mind and into your heart and soul.

Whenever you start to feel fearful or anxious, repeat this unconditional promise: "Nothing can separate me from Your Love, Jesus."

Most of mankind's misery stems from feeling unloved.

In the midst of adverse circumstances, people tend to feel that love has been withdrawn and they have been forsaken.

This feeling of abandonment is often worse than the adversity itself.

Be assured that I never abandon any of My children, not even temporarily.

I will never leave you or forsake you!

My Presence watches over you continually.

I have engraved you on the palms of My hands.

Stay Strong!

"For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord."
—ROMANS 8: 38–39

"No one will be able to stand up against you all the days of your life. As I was with Moses, so I will be with you; I will never leave you nor forsake you."
—JOSHUA 1: 5

"Can a mother forget the baby at her breast and have no compassion on the child she has borne? Though she may forget, I will not forget you! See, I have engraved you on the palms of my hands; your walls are ever before me."
—ISAIAH 49: 15–16