Comfort

LET MY CONSOLATION—My comfort—bring Joy to your soul. 

When anxiety is welling up within you, come to Me and pour out your heart. 

Then sit quietly in My Presence while I comfort you, helping you see things from My perspective. 

I remind you of your heavenly destination, for you are indeed on your way to Glory! 

I infuse My Joy and Peace into your heart, mind, and soul. 

When you are joyful, this changes the way you view the world around you. 

Even though you see much darkness, you can also see the Light of My Presence continuing to shine. 

Moreover, the Joy in your soul gives you buoyancy, enabling you to rise above the countless problems in your life. 

Once you have gained this perspective, you will discover that you can comfort others in the midst of their troubles. 

They will find in you the consolation that you have found in Me. 

Thus your Joy becomes contagious, "infecting" those around you with Joy in their souls! 

From "Jesus Always" Sarah Young 

Stay Strong!

"When anxiety was great within me, your consolation brought joy to my soul."

—PSALM 94:19 

"Trust in him at all times, O people; pour out your hearts to him, for God is our refuge."

—PSALM 62:8 

"Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves have received from God."

—2 CORINTHIANS 1:3–4

All Things Are Possible - WITH God

Happy Monday, All!!

 "Out of my distress I called on the LORD; the LORD answered me and set me free.

The LORD is on my side; I will not fear.

What can man do to me?

The LORD is on my side as my helper;

I shall look in triumph on those who hate me.

It is better to take refuge in the LORD than to trust in man.

It is better to take refuge in the LORD than to trust in princes."

God Can Handle It

In the first reading today from Sirach 17, we read "To the penitent God provides a way back." 

Notice that it is a two-way street. 

We must first be penitent for God to provide the way back. 

Today's Gospel reading is the Markan version of the rich young man. 

You know the story. Young guy asks Jesus what he must do to inherit eternal life. Jesus says, "Go, sell all that you have and give to the poor. Then come, follow me." Rich young man goes away sad, for he had many possessions. 

But this is not the end of the story.

Jesus then tells the disciples that it is hard for one who is rich to enter the Kingdom of heaven. 

The disciples are amazed by this. After all, if one was rich, then they were being favored by God. 

So they ask Jesus, "Then who can be saved." 

And Jesus replies, "For human beings it is impossible, but not for God. All things are possible for God."

Do you believe this? 

I mean REALLY believe it?

Do you believe that God is big enough to handle anything in your life? 

A failed relationship? 

A lost job? 

Financial ruin? 

Ill health? 

Or are these things so big to you that you feel as though even God cannot handle them? 

At some point, we must take Jesus at His word. 

When a solution seems impossible, remember the words of our Lord. 

All things are possible with God!!!!

Father, we believe that you are big enough to handle whatever life throws at us. Teach us to cast all of our cares on you. 

Amen.

From " 60 Second Reflections " by Gus Lloyd 

Stay Strong!

Worry

Worry

"....From there, Jesus talks about worrying. 

That is something I think most people are pretty darn good at. 

I believe that worry really springs from fear – fear that we are not in control, fear that God will not provide for us or take care of us or our loved ones. 

Can we overcome this worry? 

You bet! But how? 

Jesus gives us the key.

"But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be given you besides." 

When we're about the business of building up the kingdom of God, we need never worry. 

We can be assured that God will provide for our every need. 

So…are you worrying about tomorrow, or are you planning how you can build up the kingdom of God?

Father, forgive us for being such incessant worriers. Help us today to be kingdom builders and seek out your righteousness. Amen."

From "60 Second Reflections" by Gus Lloyd 

Stay Strong!!!

Trust God and He Will Help You

Happy Hump Day!

Yesterday's reading from Sirach essentially summarized the amazing Promise we all have been offered as believers of our Faith!

It is an incredibly inspiring and motivational piece of writing and I challenge you to read it and NOT feel empowered and strong when you are done!!

:) 

"We're back in the Book of Sirach for today's first reading. 

It starts with this: 

"My son, when you come to serve the LORD, stand in justice and fear, prepare yourself for trials." 

The rest of the reading is a primer on how to endure those trials.

Trials come to all of us. 

We all get sick, people betray us, our loved ones suffer and die. 

It seems to me that the ones who endure these trials the best are people of great faith. 

They embody the things that we read about today's reading. 

Just a few of the suggestions: 

Wait on God, cling to him, forsake him not, be steadfast, be patient, trust God, hope for good things, love him.

Oh, trials will come,  my friend. 

Before they do, let us prepare properly, by following the wise counsel of Sirach. 

Then we will be able to endure them with peace and joy.

Father, help us to draw ever closer to you, that when our time of trial comes, we will be able to endure it with the grace that you provide. Amen."

From "60 Second Reflections by Gus Lloyd

Stay Strong!

Tuesday of the Seventh Week in Ordinary Time
Lectionary: 342

Reading 1SIR 2:1-11

"My son, when you come to serve the LORD,
stand in justice and fear,
prepare yourself for trials.

Be sincere of heart and steadfast,
incline your ear and receive the word of understanding,
undisturbed in time of adversity.

Wait on God, with patience, cling to him, forsake him not;
thus will you be wise in all your ways.

Accept whatever befalls you,
when sorrowful, be steadfast,
and in crushing misfortune be patient;
For in fire gold and silver are tested,and worthy people in the crucible of humiliation.

Trust God and God will help you;
trust in him, and he will direct your way;
keep his fear and grow old therein.

You who fear the LORD, wait for his mercy,
turn not away lest you fall.
You who fear the LORD, trust him,
and your reward will not be lost.
You who fear the LORD, hope for good things,
for lasting joy and mercy.
You who fear the LORD, love him,
and your hearts will be enlightened.

Study the generations long past and understand;
has anyone hoped in the LORD and been disappointed?

Has anyone persevered in his commandments and been forsaken? 

Has anyone called upon him and been rebuffed?

Compassionate and merciful is the LORD;
he forgives sins, he saves in time of trouble
and he is a protector to all who seek him in truth."

Cast All Worry....

1 Peter 5:6–7

"So humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time. Cast all your worries upon him because he cares for you."

In our full and fast-paced daily lives, it is easy to give-in to the temptation of thinking that we are the general manager of the universe. 

So much depends on us. 

And then we read this passage from Peter, reminding the community (and us) of our true nature. Peter exhorts us to let God be God in our lives. 

When we humbly surrender control of our lives to God, we allow God to work in and through us. 

There is no need to carry our burdens alone. 

Our loving God is waiting to walk beside us and lighten our load.

Stay Strong! :) 

   

Your Strength

Happy Friday, All!!! 

So many terrific reminders for us in the message below!!

Stay Strong!!

:)

FIND JOY IN ME, for I am your Strength. 

It is vital to keep your Joy alive, ESPECIALLY when you're in the throes of adversity. 

Whenever you are struggling with difficulties, you need to guard your thoughts and spoken words carefully. 

If you focus too much on all the things that are wrong, you will become increasingly discouraged—and your strength will be sapped. 

As soon as you realize what is happening, stop this hurtful process immediately. 

Turn to Me, asking Me to help you with all your struggles. 

Take time to praise Me: 

Speak or sing words of worship. 

Read scriptures that help you rejoice in Me. 

Remember that your problems are temporary but I am eternal—and so is your relationship with Me. 

As you find Joy in Me, delighting in My unfailing Love for you, your strength will increase. 

This is the Joy of the Lord, which is yours for all time and throughout eternity! 

From "Jesus Always " by Sarah Young 

Stay Strong!!

》》》》》》》》》

"Nehemiah said, "Go and enjoy choice food and sweet drinks, and send some to those who have nothing prepared. This day is sacred to our Lord. Do not grieve, for the joy of the LORD is your strength."

—NEHEMIAH 8:10 

"Shout with joy to God, all the earth! Sing the glory of his name; make his praise glorious! Say to God, "How awesome are your deeds! So great is your power that your enemies cringe before you."

—PSALM 66:1–3 

"Let the morning bring me word of your unfailing love, for I have put my trust in you. Show me the way I should go, for to you I lift up my soul."

—PSALM 143:8

Apply the Brakes

WHEN MANY THINGS SEEM to be going wrong, Trust Me!

When your life feels increasingly out of control, Thank Me!

These are supernatural responses, and they can lift you above your circumstances.

If you do what comes naturally in the face of difficulties, you may fall prey to negativism.

Even a few complaints can set you on a path that is a downward spiral, by darkening your perspective and mind-set.

With this attitude controlling you, complaints flow more and more readily from your mouth.

Each one moves you steadily down the slippery spiral.

The lower you go, the faster you slide; but it is still possible to apply brakes.

Cry out to Me in My Name!

Affirm your Trust in Me, regardless of how you feel.

Thank Me for everything, though this seems unnatural—even irrational.

Gradually you will begin to ascend, recovering your lost ground.

When you are back on ground level, you can face your circumstances from a humble perspective.

If you choose supernatural responses this time—Trusting and Thanking Me—you will experience My Unfathomable Peace.

From "Jesus Today " by Sarah Young 

Happy Weekend All!!!

Stay Strong!

》》》》

"But I trust in your unfailing love; my heart rejoices in your salvation.'

—PSALM 13: 5

"Always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ."
—EPHESIANS 5: 20

Cling

Happy Snow Day All!! 

Please take an extra moment to read today's post carefully as I believe it is truly a remarkable and powerful Promise and reminder for us all!

I know many people are struggling with the inevitable trials and challenges that come with living life on this earth and we can often feel alone and overwhelmed by the events of each day. 

However, we must remember in Faith that we are NEVER alone or in danger when we understand the promises and gifts that our faith provides to all of us!

All we have to do is Believe, Trust and Ask in order to receive all the backup and help we need to take on ANY challenge or trial in our lives! 

This is the Promise of our Faith!

Trust in it!

Remember, no matter how bad you think you have it, you can throw a rock and hit someone whose cross is 1000 times more difficult to bear than ours today!

Put it all in perspective.

Count your blessings because they are so numerous and always remember that someone you encounter today would trade their life for yours in a heartbeat - and you wouldn't want to make that trade!

God bless and Stay Strong!!

》》》》

WHEN THE JOURNEY YOU ARE ON FEELS OVERWHELMING, THE VERY BEST THING YOU CAN DO IS CLING TO ME.

At such times the future seems unreal—unreachable—and the past feels remote, but this can actually be a blessing.

My followers tend to waste vast quantities of time and energy thinking about past and future matters.

Thus they neglect the present—where they actually live—and My Presence, though I am always near.

When adverse circumstances surround you and seem to be closing in on you, it is still possible to be joyful in Me, your Savior.

Since you cannot find a way out of your circumstances, accept the situation and search for Me in the midst of it.

Sometimes you may feel as if you can hold on to Me no longer.

I remind you, though, that you have been able to cling to Me to this day.

You have powerful backup because the Holy Spirit lives in you.

He can give you supernatural strength, far beyond your own.

In addition to this, My hand has an eternal grip on yours.

Though your strength to keep holding on may run out, Mine never will.

From " Jesus Lives " by Sarah Young

Stay Strong!

"So do not fear, for I—your God—am with you. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with My righteous right hand. But cling to the Lord your God as you have done to this day."
JOSHUA 23:8 AMP

"Though the fig tree does not bud and there are no grapes on the vines, though the olive crop fails and the fields produce no food, though there are no sheep in the pen and no cattle in the stalls, yet I will rejoice in the Lord, I will be joyful in God my Savior.'
HABAKKUK 3:17–18

"My soul clings to you; your right hand upholds me."
PSALM 63:8

"So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand." ----- ISAIAH 41:10

From "Jesus Lives " by Sarah Young 

Stay Strong!!!

Never Wasted

"After everyone was full, Jesus told his disciples, 'Now gather the leftovers, so that nothing is wasted.'"     (John 6:12, NLT)

The Bible tells of a time when Jesus fed a crowd of five thousand families with only five loaves of bread and two fish. 

That day, everyone had more than enough to eat, and there were still twelve baskets full of bread leftover. 

That's because we serve a God of abundance! 

When Jesus told the disciples to collect all of the leftovers, He said to do it "so that nothing is wasted." 

With God, nothing is ever wasted. 

He'll never waste an experience; 

He'll never waste a hurt; 

He'll never waste a dream; 

He'll never waste even a single piece of bread.

If you've felt like you've wasted years of your life in the wrong job, hanging around the wrong people, doing the wrong things, God will gather those years and restore them back to you. 

He'll take those experiences that the enemy meant for your harm and turn them around for your good. 

He'll make you stronger, wiser and better off than you were before. 

He can launch you further into your destiny than before. 

Be encouraged today because with God, all things ARE POSSIBLE and nothing is ever wasted!

A Prayer for Today
"Father, I give You every bit of my life, my past, my present and my future. Thank You for taking every experience in my life and turning it around for my good. I know that with You, nothing is ever wasted in Jesus' name. Amen."

From Today's Word by Joel O 

Stay Strong! :) 

Here I Am

Happy Sunday!! 

Today's First Reading struck me as a tremendous and ancient reminder for us all in times of doubt, confusion, or trial!

We always hear that in order to beat our own worries and fears we ought to seek to help OTHERS solve theirs, and here in this Old Testament reading we see that sentiment and the answer to our issues expressed clearly! 

No shortage of hard advice dispensed by Isaiah in this one!  :) 

Stay Strong!

(Let's Go Pats!)

"Thus says the Lord: share your bread with the hungry,/ shelter the oppressed and the homeless,/clothe the naked when you see them:/ and do not turn your back on your own./ 

Then your light shall Break Forth like the dawn./ and your wound shall quickly be healed./ your vindication shall go before you./ and the glory of the Lord shall be your rear guard. /

Then you shall call and the Lord will answer,/ you shall cry for help, and he will say:

Here I am!

If you remove from your midst oppression, false accusation and malicious speech;/ if you bestow your bread on the hungry/ and satisfy The afflicted;/ then light shall rise for you in the darkness, and the Gloom shall become for you like midday.

The Word of the Lord

 --- Isaiah 58:7-10

Stay Strong!!

The Sooner......

"I want your heart to be steadfast, trusting in Me— in My unfailing Love.

Remember that My Love for you is independent of your performance.

So, when you become Anxious or Fearful, I do not love you less.

Having a steadfast heart is an excellent goal, and you are making some progress in this quest. 

I am like a proud parent watching his baby learn to walk, eager to see you take each step of trust—however small. 

No matter how unsteadily you walk, I applaud each trust-step as if it were an Olympic feat. 

When you stumble or fall, I give you time to pull yourself back up. 

However, if you lift your arms to Me, seeking My help, I cannot resist coming to your aid. 

Looking to Me for help demonstrates genuine trust in Me. 

It is easy to turn against yourself when you have failed, but this is not pleasing to Me. 

Some of My children blame others—or Me—for their failures. 

All of these responses are hurtful and counterproductive. 

The Sooner you turn toward Me, the Better. 

My tender Love can soothe your wounded pride and help you learn from your mistakes. 

As you sit in ashes of failure, looking up to Me, you grow more humble. 

You realize that you need Me continually to develop a steadfast heart. 

In My Unfailing Love I will lead you!

In My Strength I will guide you—all the way to My holy dwelling."

From "Jesus Lives" by Sarah Young

Stay Strong!  Happy Weekend!!

》》》》

"He will have no fear of bad news; his heart is steadfast, trusting in the Lord." PSALM 112:7 

"Let the morning bring me word of your unfailing love, for I have put my trust in you. Show me the way I should go, for to you I lift up my soul." PSALM 143:8 

"In your unfailing love you will lead the people you have redeemed. In your strength you will guide them to your holy dwelling." EXODUS 15:13

Explosive Blessings

Today's Scripture

"That person is like a tree planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither—whatever they do prospers." (Psalm 1:3, NIV)

Whatever You Do Will Prosper

God's plan is for you to prosper and be successful in every area of your life.  Some people might say, "I don't see how you can say that with the economy like it is. All the experts are saying it's going to get worse before it gets better."  That may be true in general, but it doesn't have to be true for believers in Jesus.  We are connected to a supply line that will never run dry.  Don't be talked in to having a bad year.  The economy is not your source. God is your source, and He wants to bless you beyond your normal income.  He likes to do unusual things.  He can bless you with an explosive blessing!  That means, all of the sudden, unexpectedly, something happens that takes you to a new level.  Old limitations are broken, and suddenly, you find yourself further than you ever dreamed! The key is found in Psalm 1:1–2.  We have to separate ourselves from the system of the world and set our heart and mind on the Word of God.  When you meditate on His promises and follow His commands, you will experience these explosive blessings.  When you put Him first, you will be strong and stable, and whatever you do will prosper!

A Prayer for Today

"Father, thank You for Your Word which lights my path and directs my heart. I submit every area to You and put You first always. Teach me Your ways so I can walk with You and experience every blessing You have in store for me in Jesus' name. Amen." STAY STRONG! From Today's Word by Joel O

The Promise

"Do not look forward to the changes and chances of this life in fear; 

rather look at them with full hope that, as they arise, God, whose you are, will deliver you out of them.  

He is your Keeper.             

He has kept you hitherto. 

Will you but hold fast to His dear hand, and He will lead you safely through all things; and, when you cannot stand, He will bear you in His arms.   

Do not look forward to what may happen tomorrow.

Our Father will either shield you from suffering, or He will give you strength to bear it."

 

   - St Francis De Sales

I absolutely love this passage!!

If we believe this and take it as truth - or better yet, even if we are skeptical and not all the way there yet but willing to give it a try - how can any one of us have an ounce of fear, worry, anxiety or a lack of Peace about anything in our lives?

It is akin and as close to a "Guarantee" that we will receive in this life! 

It is His Promise!!

If you were "guaranteed" that at the end of all our struggles, troubles, and daily strifes that it would all be ok and everything would work out for the best, would that change what you think of and spend your time thinking about?

Would that make a difference in how you wake up or go to bed?

Would it make a difference in your peace, your joy, or your attitude?

Would believing in this promise alter how you approach problems and deal with setbacks, live your life, and interact with people?

Would it change how you are handing a current battle or storm - be it illness, divorce,  unemployment, grief, personal relationship strife,  etc??

How great and easier would life be if we KNEW we had this type of guarantee??

What would your mind and thoughts consist of when all the worry, uncertainty and fear vanish in an instant?

Well, this is no infomercial but that guarantee exists TODAY!!!!

It is not in writing or in a legal contract anywhere and we really don't have a "Tripadvisor" review site to check it's legitimacy.

However, our fatih tells us it does truly exist and it is real and all we need do is take that Leap of Faith and BELIEVE for it to take hold!

Seems worth a shot to me!

Afterall, what do we have to lose by taking that Leap?

Only gripping and debilitating fear and anxiety!! ,:) 

God bless, Take the Leap and Stay Strong!!