Dear Friends,
I hope you are safe, healthy and well this week. I have a few thoughts for you this week and a few devots. to tie into those thoughts.
Thought One: In the midst of our ever changing and chaotic world, I am being frequently reminded that: God is sovereign and Our hope must be in Him and His word-He never changes, He always keeps His promises, He is an anchor in time of trouble, He will never leave or forsake those who have put their personal trust in Him. To trust anything or anything else leaves us on shaky, uncertain ground. One of the devots. makes us ponder and consider where does our hope come from and in Whom do we place our complete trust?
Thought Two:
"It is better to light a candle, then to curse the darkness."
Matthew 5:14-16, " “You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do they light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven."
In our country at this time, many folks are causing more than is needed. They are not helping the virus situation, helping people or making a difference. It's easy to become discouraged between the riots erupting and the virus. However, I told a young person who was feeing anxious this week to try and do two things:
1. Pray along with me for the Lord to convict the hearts of those who are stirring up trouble, causing damage to property and harm to others. Pray for the safety of those police who are trying to bring the situation under control (as I stand beside those who respect their badge and seek to use it to bring peace, justice and respect, but not those who misuse it for their own gain). Our prayers do make a difference (James 5:16)
2. Light a candle-Send a text, email, write an old fashioned note to someone. Ask the Lord who could use encouragement at this time and as a face or two comes to mind, sit down to send encouragement and a Bible verse to that person. I have personally been seeing the impact an action such as this makes and it's allowed me to be blessed in return.
I have several devots. that I hope will comfort and encourage you no matter where you are emotionally these days. Pick the one that you need most at this time. I have also added some encouraging Scriptures that I found over the weekend.
I pray the Lord uses this in your life this week to remind you that He is only a prayer over. Lord bless and keep you and yours!
(Devots. used by permission. Taken from https://www.dayspring.com/articles)
5 Scriptures to Find Rest During Uncertain Times:
6 Ways to Find God's Peace in a Difficult Situation.
Where Does Your Hope Come From: https://www.dayspring.com/articles/where-does-your-hope-come-from?utm_source=Sailthru&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=NEBNAEN20180516PMAfternoonContent&utm_term=DaySpring%20Newsletter
Nothing is Impossible with God: https://www.dayspring.com/daily-devotion/date/2020-06-01?utm_source=Sailthru&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=DaySpring%20Daily%20Devotion%202020-06-01&utm_term=DaySpring%20Daily%20Devotion
Our Refuge: https://www.icr.org/article/2021
(Used by permission. Taken from https://www.icr.org)
The Impact of a Greeting Card:
Sending a Card that Comforts:
Scriptures:
Philippians 4:6-7, "Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.
Nahum 1:7, "The Lord is good, A stronghold in the day of trouble; And He knows those who trust in Him."
Psalm 9:10, "And those who know Your name will put their trust in You; For You, Lord, have not forsaken those who seek You."
