Encouragement

God’s Weather Report

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Hurricanes, floods, drought and wildfires are happening with greater frequency. But God has His own weather report:

Isaiah 43:1-4 New Living Translation

“O Israel (Christian, believer, child of God), the one who formed you says,
“Do not be afraid, for I have ransomed you.
    I have called you by name; you are mine.
 When you go through deep waters,
    I will be with you.
When you go through rivers of difficulty,
    you will not drown.
When you walk through the fire of oppression,
    you will not be burned up;
    the flames will not consume you.
3 For I am the Lord, your God,
    the Holy One of Israel, your Savior.
….
4 Others* were given in exchange for you.
    I traded their lives* for yours
because you are precious to me.
    You are honored, and I love you.“

Isaiah declared this beautiful passage, this message from God, to Israel, when the majority of the population had gone into captivity in Babylon.

For believers today, this is a word of hope, a word of encouragement and a promise from the Lord.

The One who was given in exchange for us is *Jesus.

The One whose life was traded for ours is *Christ.

Never let despair or fear hold you down. Remind yourself of the words and allow them to strengthen your faith: You are honored, loved and precious to God.

Blessings

Nolan Creek at flood level in Belton, TX 2015

Focus on Today

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August 25, 2022

SMALL STRAWS by MARSHA BURNS

Refuse to worry about what might be tomorrow, next week, next year, or next decade. You have today to do your best to be the person you are destined to be. It is enough to take care of your responsibilities and challenges as they come. You do not know what lies ahead for you, but you can strive to be the best version of yourself here and now. 

Matthew 6:34 Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about its own things. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble.

Psalm 27

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For June 1 2022

The Lord is my light and my salvation— so why should I be afraid?

The Lord is my fortress, protecting me from danger, so why should I tremble?

When evil people come to devour me, when my enemies and foes attack me, they will stumble and fall. Though a mighty army surrounds me, my heart will not be afraid. Even if I am attacked, I will remain confident.

The one thing I ask of the Lord— the thing I seek most— is to live in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, delighting in the Lord’s perfections and meditating in his Temple.

For He will conceal me there when troubles come; He will hide me in his sanctuary. He will place me out of reach on a high rock. Then I will hold my head high above my enemies who surround me.

At his sanctuary I will offer sacrifices with shouts of joy, singing and praising the Lord with music.

Hear me as I pray, O Lord. Be merciful and answer me! My heart has heard you say, “Come and talk with me.” And my heart responds, “Lord, I am coming.”

Do not turn your back on me. Do not reject your servant in anger. You have always been my helper. Don’t leave me now; don’t abandon me, O God of my salvation!

Even if my father and mother abandon me, the Lord will hold me close.

Teach me how to live, O Lord. Lead me along the right path, for my enemies are waiting for me. Do not let me fall into their hands. For they accuse me of things I’ve never done; with every breath they threaten me with violence.

Yet I am confident I will see the Lord’s goodness while I am here in the land of the living.

Wait patiently for the Lord. Be brave and courageous. Yes, wait patiently for the Lord.

Psalms 27:1‭-‬14 NLT https://bible.com/bible/116/psa.27.1-14.NLT

Not scripture, but it preaches…

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  1. Simplicity:

Luke 10:38–42 English Standard Version

Martha and Mary

Now as they went on their way, Jesus entered a village. And a woman named Martha welcomed him into her house. And she had a sister called Mary, who sat at the Lord’s feet and listened to his teaching. But Martha was distracted with much serving. And she went up to him and said, “Lord, do you not care that my sister has left me to serve alone? Tell her then to help me.” But the Lord answered her, “Martha, Martha, you are anxious and troubled about many things, but one thing is necessary. Mary has chosen the good portion, which will not be taken away from her.”

2. Harmony

Romans 12:16-18

Live in harmony with one another. Do not be haughty, but associate with the lowly. Never be wise in your own sight. Repay no one evil for evil, but give thought to do what is honorable in the sight of all. If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all.

3. Opportunity

Ephesians 5:16 Amplified Bible

Making the very most of the time [buying up each opportunity], because the days are evil.