He Will Never Abandon Us

I will lead the blind on unfamiliar roads. I will lead them on unfamiliar paths. I will turn darkness into light in front of them. I will make rough places smooth. These are the things I will do for them, and I will never abandon them. [Isaiah 42:16 (GW)]

Thank you God, for being beside me even when I can’t see you or even feel your presence. Thank you for the reassurance that I will never have to navigate the dark times of life by myself. You will always be near.

Be strong, all who wait with hope for the Lord, and let your heart be courageous. [Psalm 31:24 (GW)]

CONSOLE THE INCONSOLABLE

God blesses those who mourn, for they will be comforted. [Matthew 5:4 (NLT)]

We all prayed so hard but it wasn’t in your will. Why, O Lord, why? I know I have no right to question you, yet I can’t help but be distressed. It just doesn’t seem right; now a family is heartbroken! Help those who mourn to comprehend the incomprehensible and to accept the intolerable. Remind us all that suffering, sorrow and death go hand in hand with the joys of life. Please comfort those who grieve, ease the ache in their hearts, wipe the tears from their eyes and reassure them of your love.

Today, my friends, as you pray, please remember all those who mourn.

God’s riches, wisdom, and knowledge are so deep that it is impossible to explain his decisions or to understand his ways. [Romans 11:33 (GW)]

TRITE BUT TRUE

Dear brothers and sisters, when troubles come your way, consider it an opportunity for great joy. For you know when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow. [James 1:2-3 (GW)]

It may be trite, but being trite doesn’t keep it from being true: inside every problem is a hidden blessing. It’s up to us to find it!

Every problem comes gift wrapped in a package that also contains a creative solution. Your job is to accept both gifts. [Marie T. Freeman]

 

BE SURE TO SMILE

2013-7-27A cheerful heart brings a smile to your face; a sad heart makes it hard to get through the day. [Proverbs 15:13 [MSG)]

A recent study done at the University of Kansas found that smiling (even when your heart’s not in it) can lower your heart rate and mitigate stress. So smile, because a smile on your face can make for a cheerful heart.

Smile at each other. Smile at your wife, smile at your husband, smile at your children, smile at each other – it doesn’t matter who it is – and that will help you to grow up in greater love for each other. [Mother Teresa]

HE IS FAITHFUL IN HIS WORDS

God always does what he says, and is gracious in everything he does. God gives a hand to those down on their luck, gives a fresh start to those ready to quit. [Psalm 145:13b-14 (MSG)]

Lord, sometimes, when we’re in the midst of turmoil, pain or sorrow, we find it difficult to feel your love or see your kindness. When we falter in our faith, forgive us; don’t let us quit believing in you. Please reassure us of your presence and help us see your hand in all that happens. Help us believe your promises.

WE ARE NEVER POOR

Certainly, the love of money is the root of all kinds of evil. Some people who have set their hearts on getting rich have wandered away from the Christian faith and have caused themselves a lot of grief. [1 Timothy 6:10 (GW)]

Money is not the root of all evil, but love of it is. To gain and keep riches, we may be tempted to stray from our Christian values; we might find ourselves believing that money can buy happiness or even loving money more than people or God.

Man defines wealth by adding up financial assets and possessions. God, however, doesn’t define wealth by looking at a balance sheet. He defines it by the quality of our lives, our love and generosity, and not by our financial resources or worldly goods. With Jesus, we are never poor, no matter what is in our bank accounts or IRAs.