HOPE-RENEWING STRENGTH

Essentials of life are faith, hope and love. My focus this year has been on hope!

https://www.thegospelcoalition.org/blogs/scotty-smith/a-prayer-for-drawing-strength-from-our-tireless-hope-renewing-god

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. Isa. 40:28-31

Gracious Father, thank you for providing your timely Word and prayers of others this week,  As Scotty S. once said, Our God who speaks truth through his word, does not stutter. I often speak in circles, but not the Lord. I grow tired and weary, but not my Father God. 

How grateful I am to be your child, O Lord and I'm thanking you today for renewing my heart, replenishing my strength and refreshing my hope.

My hope is in you, loving Father, who grants unending mercy through your son Jesus. 

LEFT HANGING!

Ever been in a lurch?! A vulnerable and unsupported position.

Think……….left hanging!    Dangling!!

Even worse......hanging upside down for almost 30 minutes! 

It can happen anytime. Anywhere! (Even peeing and vomiting) It doesn't have to be on a broken 10 story high pendulum ride at Oaks Park amusement park  in Oregon.

Precarious pendulum dubbed AtmosFEAR had commentators' catastrophic remarks loudly calling out, "Oh my God...." and "Jesus Christ."

I prayed for safety of the riders along with hopes that the commentator who used the personal pronoun "my" for God, truly knew Him. Who do people call out to in distressing, uncertain times? We all know the "correct" answer. 

But God.....puts answers in His Word.* During stress, those might come quickly or maybe relegated to one word. "Help."

But God won't leave you hanging!

*Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.” - (Isaiah 41:10)

Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.” - (Joshua 1:9)

God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble....(Psalm 46:1)

He asks us to take our fears, worries, and anxieties to Him because He cares about us and wants good things for our lives (1 Peter 5:7).

SPIRITUAL MARKERS!

According to Blackaby in today's Experiencing God, "spiritual memory is crucial in the Christian life." Such memories identify decision-making times when one clearly knows God guided them. This is clearly pointed out in our Jordan River Rules book study with the words given to the Israelites when God instructed them to build a monument on the banks of the Jordan River. 

Important moments in all our lives encourage us as we clearly recall God's guidance during times of decision when His direction was needed and provided. 

These Ebenezer stones of sorts, stones of help, give the sense of direction needed as one faces future decisions.

Keep your compass at hand.........

..................Spiritual markers for Spiritual Decisions.

NEARNESS OF GOD!

Five words or less! 

"I will be with you." (Joshua 1:9)

As "Coming to Light Bible Study" calls it---"5 minute Friday."

NEAR.......closeness in proximity.  Accessible in a heart to heart intimate way regardless of virtual distance.

Jordan River Rules book study folks have learned much of nearness of God this month. Even when some are absent, they have been near in Spirit. Kathie G. even shares an Isaiah verse reminder for us.

Give Cheer! God is near!

Don't veer. Stay near!

GOD'S DIRECTIONS!

How does one follow God's will.....for His purpose and His glory!

Directions are needed. Directions are found in His word! Trust is key. (Proverbs 3:5-6)

Sometimes I desire specifics. 

Sometimes God clearly leads.....follow the narrow path and turn toward the cross!

Clarity of direction is needed, O Lord!

HEART CHOICES!

Why can some decisions seem so difficult? 

I love Scotty Smith's * illustration of ease in decision making as he stands at the cereal and chooses the one that is "buy one, get one free."

I prefer those "easy" choices, because I know the outcome of those decisions. Cereal Decision = Money Saved! A lure for a frugal lady!

Other decisions require a spiritual compass for me and still give me "heart knots." (a Scotty term) Yet, knowing God leads in many ways---through his word, prayers and the counsel of others.....discerning His will, as one decides, can still be difficult.

One thing I do know is our heart choices must honor Jesus first.

*More food for thought from Scotty Smith--

In our time-framed decisions, what will honor you the most, Jesus? What choice is most in keeping with the truth and rhythms of the Gospel? Are we running from something for which you haven’t given us running shoes yet? Are we seeking, seeing proverbial “greener pastures” that, like all pastures, turn brown in time? May your peace rule in our hearts, as we discern and decide.

TRUE STARS!

Whether physical or spiritual, increasing the maturity level of a real champion requires much exercise. (1 Peter 5:3)

Weights or Bible---Lift both.  

Listen to others, whether a coach or a pastor.

Daily choose the combo way of exercise and faith. (Psalm 119:30)

 Your life might be the only way, others see Jesus, as you show love to others. (John 13:35)

A true star walks the talk! (Matthew 5:16)

Let's start our week this way! (Ephesians 5:1-2)

WORDS TO LIVE BY...........

WORDS TO LIVE BY---from your wedding day, June 15, 2024.........

Colossians 3:12-17 (NIV)

12) Therefore as God's chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. 13) Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. 14) And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.

15) Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful, 16) Let the message of Christ dwell among you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom through psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit, singing to God with gratitude in your hearts. 

17) And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the 

Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.

.......until the day you die!

CASTING CARES!

Casting is difficult in the rushing waters of Deep Creek according to son-in-law Corey. It can also be difficult in Colorado according to my nephew Ryan, who ties his own flies  Casting is difficult. From getting better at casting to fly-fishing is what grandson Caleb works on all the time in his fishing adventures.

I, on the other hand, had to have lessons years ago on "casting."  Celebrating in Serenbe, GA as  the "Baby" of our group turned 60, we all gave it a try. I didn't learn much but it was so fun exploring "the "high church" of fishing which fly-fishing has been labeled. (Fishing gear hard to see but we did have some. It came with an instructor.)

As we have all aged exponentially, we have learned the need for casting. 

Nowadays, "casting" is the importance of letting go of "what ifs" of medical testing and the "fear of the ramifications of the latest malady" discovered. Lots of praying. Lots of fellowship on the same side of the struggle as we groan with and for one-another. Casting for a fish is nothing compared to the need to cast our anxieties and worries for each other to the only One who can bring comfort. Jesus, who cares for each of us, His children! 

Lately, as the cares of our hearts are many, His consolations cheer our souls. (Psalm 94:19)

So.....I keep prayerfully "casting" for dear friends.

OVERFLOW OF THE HEART!

HEART- FULNESS is necessary for overflow.

What about a weary heart? Is your heart filled to capacity with fatigue?

Be careful! Our words give proof of what is filling our heart. Our heart controls our  tongue.

Conviction! My fatigue infested heart spews complaints of my maladies way too often lately!

Today's devotional from Experiencing God 6/13 begins with "But what comes out of the mouth comes from the heart"....(Matthew 15:18)

 In my first read through I marked 10 hearts. Heart focus! You think!

May I look to you Lord. You are the heart and heartbeat of the gospel.

Use me, O Lord,  even in my weariness, to speak your words to "encourage and edify others" today! (Experiencing God, p.165)