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Daily Dose of Encouragement

Part 1 Wanted: Wisdom – Just Ask!

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“If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God.”
James 1:5a NASB

Since joining the Navy in 2001, my husband and I have moved 7 times. Each move involves more decisions than I care to recall. Decisions such as: Do we buy or rent? What area is the best and safest for our needs? How close is it to the base? Is it within our budget? Is it big enough? Too big? How much yard upkeep is required? Are there good churches in the area?

Once housing is secured, we start the moving process on base. What dates do we want the movers to pack us up and when do we want our belongings delivered? Will we move some of our belongings ourselves? Do I need to stay extra days to clean the house that we’re leaving behind?

Are you getting the picture here? Can you relate to what I am saying?

Regardless of what season of life we are in, most of us feel inadequate at some time or other when it comes to making wise decisions. You may be single and seeking whether to pursue marriage or serve God on the mission field. As a mom raising children, you are in constant need of wisdom to know now to answer the myriad of questions your kids ask daily. Choices regarding aging parents are right around the corner for many of us.

Decision overload! We face it all the time and are in desperate need of wisdom. Yet, our theme verse gives a simple answer – ASK! God is waiting. Take time to stop and ask. And then listen. [Digging deeper – Proverbs 2:1-2, 5:1, 7:4; Matthew 7:7-8; James 3:17]

Stay tune for Part 2 Wanted: Wisdom – Calm Seas

Wanting and asking,

Beverly <><

 

Photo Credit: image courtesy of: pixabay.com

And the Lord Said to Joshua…

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“Do not let this Book of the Law depart from your mouth; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful.”
Joshua 1:8 (NIV)

Have you ever had someone give you a specific set of instructions and if you left out just one detail the result was not the same? I know I have! Just ask me to share some of my baking fiascos. 🙂

God gave Joshua a set of explicit instructions to follow when he became commander of the Israelites. And from His command we can take away four very insightful truth’s to guide our approach to God’s Word.

1.) It needs to be regular. Joshua was commanded to meditate on it day and night.

2.) It needs to be reflective. Joshua was commanded to meditate on it.

3.) It needs to be retentive. Joshua was commanded to be care to do everything written in it and he could not do so if he did not remember what the law of the Lord said.

4.) It needs to be regulated: meaning it needs to be the standard by which we live. Joshua was commanded to not let the law depart from his mouth. It was to be the guide to every action is his life.

I hope are you encouraged to apply these when spending time with the Lord!

God bless!

Living with Grief Part Three

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“He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death’ or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.”
Revelation 21:4 (NIV)

This is the conclusion of our series on living with grief. May you live in hope of heaven! Some time has passed since these difficulties have come into our lives and I can confidently say the joy of the Lord surely renews our Spirit.

8. The new ‘normal’ – Life will never get back to the normal you once knew. It will be different, sometimes surreal. With time, there is a new normal. We should remember those we love, even when they’re gone.  Communicating that love to those who never knew the loved one can aid in the healing. Sharing stories about our deceased relatives and friends give our children a vision of heritage that they appreciate. That love continues to connect us from life through death.

9. Helping others who are grieving – The only comments people said that brought me comfort was that they were hurting with me. I remember very clearly a friend saying, “My heart hurts for you.” Sharing in the grief somehow made it easier to bear.  Sometimes the best thing to say to others is nothing.  My dad calls it “A ministry of presence.” Just being in the presence of a grieving friend often brings comfort that they are not alone.

10. Remembering with thankfulness the things of God – In times of difficulty, I try to remember examples of what God has done in the Bible, my own life, or my friends’ lives. This reminds me He is in control and is working His plan- nothing is out of His hand. Death is a natural part of God’s plan so that we are not separated from Him eternally. Often, we suffer with an “illusion of permanence.” We were never meant to be here forever. God has appointed a time for all to live and for all to die. Because of Jesus this is not our home. The pain, hardships, and disappointments we have in this imperfect world are all temporary. In my grief, I thank God for the privilege of knowing the deceased loved one, remembering the good things I’ll miss.  Being thankful for that person brings divine healing to our heart and soul.

11. Immerse yourself in beauty– My kitchen overlooks the forest. Everyday I would open the blinds and stare outside, letting God’s creation comfort me. God has made nature and beauty to touch our hearts and bring us serenity and peace. It costs nothing and can be a sanctuary amidst well-meaning people not giving you the distance to grieve.

Grieving is a process that never truly finishes. As long as we are in this imperfect world, Jesus promised we will have sorrow. He also promised to be with us and promised consolation. Thanks to Jesus, our time on earth is temporary! There is healing- and eventually we have a home with Him where there is no more sadness.

In him,

Amy Horton