Fear, something I'm struggling with right now. I thought I was someone who wasn't afraid. I guess I have always been afraid of the dark, but that seems different somehow then the fear that so easily creeps in and keeps us from doing what God has planned for us. This week fear has been slowly taking over. Slowly moving in. It's strange because as I've been letting it in, I have been provided with different resources to keep it from taking over. As I re-read the sermon notes that I have from this week, it became clear to me that part of the sermon touched on exactly my problem this week. Filtering my decisions through fear. Yep that's me this week. There's a door standing wide open and yet there is a large cloud of fear blocking me from entering. Obviously God knew what I needed, and He is also keeping me humble and I am desperately needing to rely on His strength. That is the only way I can move forward through that door. That is the only way I should walk through that door - on my knees.
Anyways, for anyone else struggling with fears, here's a couple good sermons ....and some verses of encouragement that talk about courage to overcome fear.
http://semcmission.podbean.com/
I would recommend : (although they are all quite good!)
A Little Knowledge - Sept 9, 2012
When Life Gives You Chains - Sept 16, 2012
Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you.”~Deuteronomy 31:6~
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~
The Lord is my light and my salvation; Whom shall I fear? The Lord is the strength of my life; Of whom shall I be afraid?
~Psalm 27:1~
When I am afraid, I put my trust in you. In God, whose word I praise—in God I trust and am not afraid. What can mere mortals do to me?
~Psalm 56:3-4~
The Spirit you received does not make you slaves, so that you live in fear again; rather, the Spirit you received brought about your adoption to sonship. And by him we cry, “Abba, Father." The Spirit himself testifies with our spirit that we are God’s children.
~Romans 8:15-16~
Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be courageous; be strong. Do everything in love.~1 Corinthians 16:13~
But we have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this all-surpassing power is from God and not from us. We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed. We always carry around in our body the death of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus may also be revealed in our body. For we who are alive are always being given over to death for Jesus' sake, so that his life may be revealed in our mortal body.
~2 Corinthians 4:7-11~
And because of my chains, most of the brothers and sisters have become confident in the Lord and dare all the more to proclaim the gospel without fear.
~Philippians 1:14~
Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have, because God has said, “Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.” So we say with confidence,“The Lord is my helper; I will not be afraid. What can mere mortals do to me?
~Hebrews 13:5-6~
There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love.
~1 John 4:18~
For God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love, and self-discipline.
~2 Timothy 1:7~
Saturday, November 10, 2012
Wednesday, November 7, 2012
Scars and Fears
So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God.
I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.
~Isaiah 41:10~
Scars and Fears - two small words, yet very powerful and somewhat overpowering words.
As I was lying in bed tonight trying to sleep, I couldn't stop thinking about these two words and what I was going to write about them. I would assume that any sort of trauma in one's life would bring about these two words as one continues to live. For me, it's no different. Sure I've had scars on my knees from scrapping the gym floor while tripping over someone's feet/or my feet while playing basketball, and yes there's one on the inside of my knee from my supurb wipe out on my bike because I was trying to be cool and drink from my waterbottle while riding...but let's be honest, those superficial scars don't compare to the emotional scars that are left after a life altering moment.
For me, some of those scars are becoming fairly evident...others I'm sure will be revealed in due time. The scar of pain and sorrow will be one that will surely last forever. It's one that I am constantly learning to live with. The sudden onset of tears, the sudden onset of deep sadness, the sudden onset of any emotion bubbling up without warning.
Then there's the sleep-scar. I don't really know why I often have trouble sleeping. It's not usually an unpleasant experience, I'm just awake when I want to be asleep. Sometimes I'm thinking too much and can't settle my mind down, sometimes I end up praying for awhile, sometimes I have crazy vivid dreams, sometimes I just need to cry. Whatever the reason, sleep coming easy seems to be a thing of the past. Thankfully my good friend coffee and I have been reunited!
Another scar I have noticed is food. I used to enjoy food, now not so much. It's just something I do now because I have to. I used to enjoy savouring food and eating slowly. It was fun to enjoy a good meal, to have seconds because it's just that good. Now, it's just food...sure it's good...but it's just food...there's no enjoyment anymore. No more taking my time to make it last...it's just food. I just eat cause I have to. Mind you this has been very helpful in dropping my pregnancy weight...
Then there is the obvious scar, the never again do I ever want to be pregnant again scar. I just can't do it. I don't want to do it. So much pain and heartache has come as a result of that. I don't think I can handle anymore of that. Regardless of what anyone says, I was the only one near my two children at their time of death. They both passed away inside of me. There is really no one to blame but me. Now I know most people would say I really had nothing to do with it...but regardless it's hard to shake that blame. But I won't sit here and dwell on that, because as I've said in previous posts, that will lead me down the wrong road and I have to find my worth in God as His child and trust in Him. So I will leave it at that.
Then there is the hidden scar of fear. Fear. It's huge. It can strike at any time. I can be going about my business, I like to be busy, then suddenly fear strikes. For example, I was in a little grocery store back in August or September I think and I was picking up a few groceries. Suddenly I spotted someone I knew and instantly fear took over. I ended up avoiding the aisles that this individual was on and had to keep watching out so that I didn't run into this person. I'm not sure I even got everything I needed before quickly paying for the groceries and leaving. The fear just took over. It took me a good long while before I was able to face the library again, still haven't made it to the early years centre yet, was too afraid for the longest time...I think I could face it now...though I have been conveniently too busy to go. Then there is this position that I have been over the moon excited about having. Excited to be doing a little bit of work again. Excited to have a position that I had always thought would be a great opportunity to use a variety of my skills and loves. Ever since I sat in a church staff meeting back when I was helping with a church camp after my first year of university, I have wanted to work within a church staff. But now as I sit and think about everything that it entails, I am suddenly terrified that I can't do it. Sure I can do all the menial stuff and things will be just fine. Everything will happen as it should and it will appear to be going well. However, that's not the only thing that is needed. This needs to become a passion of mine. Something that my heart dreams over and seeks constantly to make sure that it is going down the road God wants it to be on. Something to build up with others and open my heart to what God wants to reveal to me through them about it. I'm afraid that I'm not going to be able to do this. That my heart just can't take it on. Is fear keeping me from letting this be a passion of mine? It used to be. I'm so afraid. I can't take it lightly...it's such an important role. Can fear be overcome? Can scars be overcome? (can you tell why I can't sleep?)
As I had been thinking of these scars and fears, the very first thing that came to mind was Isaiah 41:10. God says very clearly "do not fear". Do not fear because "I am your God". That's right. It's enough to know that our God is greater, our God is stronger (good song by Chris Tomlin), He is the almighty, amazing, awesome God who loves us with a love that is above all. We can never be loved more than God loves us. He sent His son to die for us....losing a child is awful awful awful...being the cause of it would simply rip my heart into pieces. He did it because He loves us so much that He doesn't want any of us to perish without Him (John 3:16). Without His son Jesus, we'd all perish without God as we are completely wrapped up in this sinful world in our sinful nature, ever since the eating of the forbidden fruit. We are doomed. Done. But no....Jesus endured so much pain and suffering and died for me and for you. And God let that happen - because He loves us that much.
But the verse doesn't just stop there in saying that we shouldn't be afraid because God is our God. He continues to say that "He will strengthen us and help us". We don't have to go it alone. We can't. I can't. I tried...I run around grocery stores frantically trying to avoid nice people! I sit at night writing instead of sleeping because I am consumed by fear and worry. Might I add that God also tells us not to worry (Matthew 6:26-34). But the only way that I am going to slowly overcome these scars and fears is by God's strength. By His "righteous right hand". He will give me the strength to keep on living and find a way to either live with the scars if it's His will, or overcome them. He will give me the strength to overcome my fears. I have seen evidence of this already. With God's fairly clear prompting and with the help of some very good friends, I was able to overcome my fear and share my story with the group I had previously written about. That was not in my strength. Nor was it my idea of something I wanted to do. I really didn't want to have to do it. God basically told me to do it. And with that, He provided me the strength and the help I needed to be able to do it. I can very clearly say, I was sitting in the service one Sunday and out of nowhere came that thought that I needed to share with the group. Yes, I wasn't able to do it the first week, curve ball, fear, took over there, but I am learning and trusting and God gave me the strength and the support I needed to overcome that paralyzing fear and share. It wasn't long. It wasn't flowery. Just simple. I hope that it encouraged the group who heard it and may have opened some doors or planted some seeds. Not for me to know (maybe it was simply for me), but I do know that God is amazing and He has plans bigger than I can imagine. He will continue to help me overcome the fears I have. I will keep asking Him for strength and trying to rely only on His strength and not in my own strengths...So glad that He is my God and that He give us His strength and upholds us with His righteous right hand...otherwise I'd just keep on sinking and being overwhelmed by my scars and fears.
For I am the Lord your God who takes hold of your right hand and says to you, Do not fear; I will help you. ~Isaiah 41:13~
I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.
~Isaiah 41:10~
Scars and Fears - two small words, yet very powerful and somewhat overpowering words.
As I was lying in bed tonight trying to sleep, I couldn't stop thinking about these two words and what I was going to write about them. I would assume that any sort of trauma in one's life would bring about these two words as one continues to live. For me, it's no different. Sure I've had scars on my knees from scrapping the gym floor while tripping over someone's feet/or my feet while playing basketball, and yes there's one on the inside of my knee from my supurb wipe out on my bike because I was trying to be cool and drink from my waterbottle while riding...but let's be honest, those superficial scars don't compare to the emotional scars that are left after a life altering moment.
For me, some of those scars are becoming fairly evident...others I'm sure will be revealed in due time. The scar of pain and sorrow will be one that will surely last forever. It's one that I am constantly learning to live with. The sudden onset of tears, the sudden onset of deep sadness, the sudden onset of any emotion bubbling up without warning.
Then there's the sleep-scar. I don't really know why I often have trouble sleeping. It's not usually an unpleasant experience, I'm just awake when I want to be asleep. Sometimes I'm thinking too much and can't settle my mind down, sometimes I end up praying for awhile, sometimes I have crazy vivid dreams, sometimes I just need to cry. Whatever the reason, sleep coming easy seems to be a thing of the past. Thankfully my good friend coffee and I have been reunited!
Another scar I have noticed is food. I used to enjoy food, now not so much. It's just something I do now because I have to. I used to enjoy savouring food and eating slowly. It was fun to enjoy a good meal, to have seconds because it's just that good. Now, it's just food...sure it's good...but it's just food...there's no enjoyment anymore. No more taking my time to make it last...it's just food. I just eat cause I have to. Mind you this has been very helpful in dropping my pregnancy weight...
Then there is the obvious scar, the never again do I ever want to be pregnant again scar. I just can't do it. I don't want to do it. So much pain and heartache has come as a result of that. I don't think I can handle anymore of that. Regardless of what anyone says, I was the only one near my two children at their time of death. They both passed away inside of me. There is really no one to blame but me. Now I know most people would say I really had nothing to do with it...but regardless it's hard to shake that blame. But I won't sit here and dwell on that, because as I've said in previous posts, that will lead me down the wrong road and I have to find my worth in God as His child and trust in Him. So I will leave it at that.
Then there is the hidden scar of fear. Fear. It's huge. It can strike at any time. I can be going about my business, I like to be busy, then suddenly fear strikes. For example, I was in a little grocery store back in August or September I think and I was picking up a few groceries. Suddenly I spotted someone I knew and instantly fear took over. I ended up avoiding the aisles that this individual was on and had to keep watching out so that I didn't run into this person. I'm not sure I even got everything I needed before quickly paying for the groceries and leaving. The fear just took over. It took me a good long while before I was able to face the library again, still haven't made it to the early years centre yet, was too afraid for the longest time...I think I could face it now...though I have been conveniently too busy to go. Then there is this position that I have been over the moon excited about having. Excited to be doing a little bit of work again. Excited to have a position that I had always thought would be a great opportunity to use a variety of my skills and loves. Ever since I sat in a church staff meeting back when I was helping with a church camp after my first year of university, I have wanted to work within a church staff. But now as I sit and think about everything that it entails, I am suddenly terrified that I can't do it. Sure I can do all the menial stuff and things will be just fine. Everything will happen as it should and it will appear to be going well. However, that's not the only thing that is needed. This needs to become a passion of mine. Something that my heart dreams over and seeks constantly to make sure that it is going down the road God wants it to be on. Something to build up with others and open my heart to what God wants to reveal to me through them about it. I'm afraid that I'm not going to be able to do this. That my heart just can't take it on. Is fear keeping me from letting this be a passion of mine? It used to be. I'm so afraid. I can't take it lightly...it's such an important role. Can fear be overcome? Can scars be overcome? (can you tell why I can't sleep?)
As I had been thinking of these scars and fears, the very first thing that came to mind was Isaiah 41:10. God says very clearly "do not fear". Do not fear because "I am your God". That's right. It's enough to know that our God is greater, our God is stronger (good song by Chris Tomlin), He is the almighty, amazing, awesome God who loves us with a love that is above all. We can never be loved more than God loves us. He sent His son to die for us....losing a child is awful awful awful...being the cause of it would simply rip my heart into pieces. He did it because He loves us so much that He doesn't want any of us to perish without Him (John 3:16). Without His son Jesus, we'd all perish without God as we are completely wrapped up in this sinful world in our sinful nature, ever since the eating of the forbidden fruit. We are doomed. Done. But no....Jesus endured so much pain and suffering and died for me and for you. And God let that happen - because He loves us that much.
But the verse doesn't just stop there in saying that we shouldn't be afraid because God is our God. He continues to say that "He will strengthen us and help us". We don't have to go it alone. We can't. I can't. I tried...I run around grocery stores frantically trying to avoid nice people! I sit at night writing instead of sleeping because I am consumed by fear and worry. Might I add that God also tells us not to worry (Matthew 6:26-34). But the only way that I am going to slowly overcome these scars and fears is by God's strength. By His "righteous right hand". He will give me the strength to keep on living and find a way to either live with the scars if it's His will, or overcome them. He will give me the strength to overcome my fears. I have seen evidence of this already. With God's fairly clear prompting and with the help of some very good friends, I was able to overcome my fear and share my story with the group I had previously written about. That was not in my strength. Nor was it my idea of something I wanted to do. I really didn't want to have to do it. God basically told me to do it. And with that, He provided me the strength and the help I needed to be able to do it. I can very clearly say, I was sitting in the service one Sunday and out of nowhere came that thought that I needed to share with the group. Yes, I wasn't able to do it the first week, curve ball, fear, took over there, but I am learning and trusting and God gave me the strength and the support I needed to overcome that paralyzing fear and share. It wasn't long. It wasn't flowery. Just simple. I hope that it encouraged the group who heard it and may have opened some doors or planted some seeds. Not for me to know (maybe it was simply for me), but I do know that God is amazing and He has plans bigger than I can imagine. He will continue to help me overcome the fears I have. I will keep asking Him for strength and trying to rely only on His strength and not in my own strengths...So glad that He is my God and that He give us His strength and upholds us with His righteous right hand...otherwise I'd just keep on sinking and being overwhelmed by my scars and fears.
For I am the Lord your God who takes hold of your right hand and says to you, Do not fear; I will help you. ~Isaiah 41:13~
Saturday, November 3, 2012
Time
Time. It's definitely been a thought on my mind a lot lately. It seems that whenever I get stuck on a thought these days, I dive into my Bible to find out everything I can about it. So I dove in and with Albert's help searched out verses relating to God's timing. They relate to time as God sees it, God's timing in things to come and God's timing in when He returns again.These verses give me confidence that God does have timing under control. It's definitely something I struggle with. Always wanting my own timing, I want things to happen now, now would nice, yes indeed. I have my own timing that I would like to see happen. However, I don't know everything, and I would never get everything right. I don't know the future, or my future (here on earth)... I don't know what is coming down the road.
I was in a bit of a funk for the past week and everything was weighing heavily. I met with a friend this week and we had a good long talk...I don't think we stopped talking the entire day. As I got in my car to leave, I felt that cloud disappear. What a wonderful feeling that was. One of the things my friend talked about was how God was refining her. That really struck home with me. I believe that is so true in my life as well. I know that God is still working on me and refining me and preparing me for what He wants me to do. I know God still has a lot of work to do on me and I have to be willing to wait till I am where He wants me to be as He brings certain things/people/events into my life. To keep seeking Him to know who He wants me to be and how I need to grow in Him. To trust His refining in my life and to be open to it. (Definitely a different perspective than the one I had a couple days ago!)
Here are some of the verses that we found. So thankful for God's true word.
Habakkuk 2:3
For the revelation awaits an appointed time; it speaks of the end and will not prove false.
Though it linger, wait for it; it will certainly come and will not delay.
Genesis 18:14
Is anything too hard for the Lord? I will return to you at the appointed time next year, and Sarah will have a son.
Genesis 21:1-5
Now the Lord was gracious to Sarah as he had said, and the Lord did for Sarah what he had promised. Sarah became pregnant and bore a son to Abraham in his old age, at the very time God had promised him. Abraham gave the name Isaac to the son Sarah bore him. When his son Isaac was eight days old, Abraham circumcised him, as God commanded him. Abraham was a hundred years old when his son Isaac was born to him.
Galations 6:9
Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.
2 Corinthians 12:9-10
But he said to me,“My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me. That is why, for Christ’s sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong.
2 Peter 3:8-9
But do not forget this one thing, dear friends: With the Lord a day is like a thousand years, and a thousand years are like a day. The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. Instead he is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.
Ephesians 2:10
For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.
Luke 18:27
Those who heard this asked, “Who then can be saved?” Jesus replied, “What is impossible with man is possible with God.”
Psalm 46:10
He says, “Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth.”
Psalm 90:4
A thousand years in your sight are like a day that has just gone by, or like a watch in the night.
Psalm 37:3-7
Trust in the Lord and do good; dwell in the land and enjoy safe pasture.
John 14:27
Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.
Psalm 27:14
Wait for the Lord; be strong and take heart and wait for the Lord.
1 Peter 1:6-9
In all this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while you may have had to suffer grief in all kinds of trials. These have come so that the proven genuineness of your faith—of greater worth than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire—may result in praise, glory and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed. Though you have not seen him, you love him; and even though you do not see him now, you believe in him and are filled with an inexpressible and glorious joy, for you are receiving the end result of your faith, the salvation of your souls.
Isaiah 49:8-9
This is what the Lord says: “In the time of my favor I will answer you, and in the day of salvation I will help you; I will keep you and will make you to be a covenant for the people, to restore the land
John 7:6-8
Therefore Jesus told them, “My time is not yet here; for you any time will do. The world cannot hate you, but it hates me because I testify that its works are evil. You go to the festival. I am not going up to this festival, because my time has not yet fully come.”
Psalm 31:14-15
But I trust in you, Lord; I say, “You are my God.” My times are in your hands; deliver me from the hands of my enemies, from those who pursue me.
Psalm 75:2
You say, “I choose the appointed time; it is I who judge with equity.
Mark 1:15
“The time has come,” he said. “The kingdom of God has come near. Repent and believe the good news!”
Mark 13:33
Be on guard! Be alert. You do not know when that time will come.
1 Thessalonians 5:1-2
Now, brothers and sisters, about times and dates we do not need to write to you, for you know very well that the day of the Lord will come like a thief in the night. While people are saying, “Peace and safety,” destruction will come on them suddenly, as labor pains on a pregnant woman, and they will not escape.
Titus 1:2-3
In the hope of eternal life, which God, who does not lie, promised before the beginning of time, and which now at his appointed season he has brought to light through the preaching entrusted to me by the command of God our Savior,
Acts 1:6-8
Then they gathered around him and asked him, “Lord, are you at this time going to restore the kingdom to Israel?” He said to them: “It is not for you to know the times or dates the Father has set by his own authority. But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”
I was in a bit of a funk for the past week and everything was weighing heavily. I met with a friend this week and we had a good long talk...I don't think we stopped talking the entire day. As I got in my car to leave, I felt that cloud disappear. What a wonderful feeling that was. One of the things my friend talked about was how God was refining her. That really struck home with me. I believe that is so true in my life as well. I know that God is still working on me and refining me and preparing me for what He wants me to do. I know God still has a lot of work to do on me and I have to be willing to wait till I am where He wants me to be as He brings certain things/people/events into my life. To keep seeking Him to know who He wants me to be and how I need to grow in Him. To trust His refining in my life and to be open to it. (Definitely a different perspective than the one I had a couple days ago!)
Here are some of the verses that we found. So thankful for God's true word.
Habakkuk 2:3
For the revelation awaits an appointed time; it speaks of the end and will not prove false.
Though it linger, wait for it; it will certainly come and will not delay.
Genesis 18:14
Is anything too hard for the Lord? I will return to you at the appointed time next year, and Sarah will have a son.
Genesis 21:1-5
Now the Lord was gracious to Sarah as he had said, and the Lord did for Sarah what he had promised. Sarah became pregnant and bore a son to Abraham in his old age, at the very time God had promised him. Abraham gave the name Isaac to the son Sarah bore him. When his son Isaac was eight days old, Abraham circumcised him, as God commanded him. Abraham was a hundred years old when his son Isaac was born to him.
Galations 6:9
Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.
2 Corinthians 12:9-10
But he said to me,
2 Peter 3:8-9
But do not forget this one thing, dear friends: With the Lord a day is like a thousand years, and a thousand years are like a day. The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. Instead he is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.
Ephesians 2:10
For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.
Luke 18:27
Those who heard this asked, “Who then can be saved?” Jesus replied, “What is impossible with man is possible with God.”
Peter said to him, “We have left all we had to follow you!”
“Truly I tell you,” Jesus said to them, “no one who has left home or wife or brothers or sisters or parents or children for the sake of the kingdom of God will fail to receive many times as much in this age, and in the age to come eternal life.”
“Truly I tell you,” Jesus said to them, “no one who has left home or wife or brothers or sisters or parents or children for the sake of the kingdom of God will fail to receive many times as much in this age, and in the age to come eternal life.”
Psalm 46:10
He says, “Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth.”
Psalm 90:4
A thousand years in your sight are like a day that has just gone by, or like a watch in the night.
Psalm 37:3-7
Trust in the Lord and do good; dwell in the land and enjoy safe pasture.
Take delight in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart.
Commit your way to the Lord; trust in him and he will do this:
He will make your righteous reward shine like the dawn, your vindication like the noonday sun.
Be still before the Lord and wait patiently for him; do not fret when people succeed in their ways,
when they carry out their wicked schemes.
John 14:27
Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.
Psalm 27:14
Wait for the Lord; be strong and take heart and wait for the Lord.
1 Peter 1:6-9
In all this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while you may have had to suffer grief in all kinds of trials. These have come so that the proven genuineness of your faith—of greater worth than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire—may result in praise, glory and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed. Though you have not seen him, you love him; and even though you do not see him now, you believe in him and are filled with an inexpressible and glorious joy, for you are receiving the end result of your faith, the salvation of your souls.
Isaiah 49:8-9
This is what the Lord says: “In the time of my favor I will answer you, and in the day of salvation I will help you; I will keep you and will make you to be a covenant for the people, to restore the land
and to reassign its desolate inheritances, to say to the captives, ‘Come out,’ and to those in darkness, ‘Be free!’
John 7:6-8
Therefore Jesus told them, “My time is not yet here; for you any time will do. The world cannot hate you, but it hates me because I testify that its works are evil. You go to the festival. I am not going up to this festival, because my time has not yet fully come.”
Psalm 31:14-15
But I trust in you, Lord; I say, “You are my God.” My times are in your hands; deliver me from the hands of my enemies, from those who pursue me.
Psalm 75:2
You say, “I choose the appointed time; it is I who judge with equity.
Mark 1:15
“The time has come,” he said. “The kingdom of God has come near. Repent and believe the good news!”
Mark 13:33
Be on guard! Be alert. You do not know when that time will come.
1 Thessalonians 5:1-2
Now, brothers and sisters, about times and dates we do not need to write to you, for you know very well that the day of the Lord will come like a thief in the night. While people are saying, “Peace and safety,” destruction will come on them suddenly, as labor pains on a pregnant woman, and they will not escape.
Titus 1:2-3
In the hope of eternal life, which God, who does not lie, promised before the beginning of time, and which now at his appointed season he has brought to light through the preaching entrusted to me by the command of God our Savior,
Acts 1:6-8
Then they gathered around him and asked him, “Lord, are you at this time going to restore the kingdom to Israel?” He said to them: “It is not for you to know the times or dates the Father has set by his own authority. But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”
Wednesday, October 24, 2012
"God sets the lonely in families"
A father to the fatherless, a defender of widows, is God in his holy dwelling. God sets the lonely in families, he leads out the prisoners with singing; but the rebellious live in a sun-scorched land. ~Psalm 68:5-6~
So full of so many emotions right now. Part of it could be from the lack of sleep from last night...not much sleep was had at our house last night. Seems odd...but it was really an odd night... a culmination of random things keeping us all awake. Guess that's why I'm not even bothering to try to sleep right now. Anyways, that's not the point. Tonight we had our first meeting about adoption. So happy to be starting along this journey! However, it was a bit of a reality check in many ways for me I think. Not that I didn't know most of everything that was spoken about, but more so just that any exception/fantasy that I might have dreamed up is clearly not going to happen. Which makes sense because this is reality and not a fantasy world - which you'd think I'd have learned by now. Life is super real. You don't get special treatment because you are you.
It was a good meeting though. Lots to look forward to. There are really endless ways in which we can help children in need. A couple of things that have tugged on our hearts are the adoption of a sibling group or maybe the foster with a view to adopt program. We will be open to whatever God wants us to be open to. (Small plug here for a spouse who is like-minded: so appreciative that my husband loves God and wants to follow His will and purpose for our lives and our family as well; that He is willing to be open to whatever God has in store. Love love love this about my husband. Love, so much love for him that he is willing to jump into this journey with two feet and not look back. Love that he wants to love whoever God brings into our lives completely. Love that God brought us together for each other. Yes I love my husband.) The journey is however going to be long.
This for me is difficult to get over. Obviously I would like a child now. I was ready to have a child in January, then I was ready to have a child in July. So not having my children here with me is hard. Not having the possibility to have another child within a year is difficult as well. There really is no way to have a child right now. Some people wait years and years before they have a child. I am blessed with one really great little boy that I can hold and play with here, two beautiful little children that I can love now and hold later and the possibility of loving and holding new children in a year or two. I just have to keep trusting God and keep my focus on Him (goes along with all that contentment stuff I had been talking about...definitely still struggling with that...but still praying for it). Yes, I must admit to grieving the fact that Micah will not have a sibling to grow up with for awhile. A prospect that makes me sad. I was very close to my sister growing up and Albert was close to his brother growing up and I really wanted that for Micah too. Somehow I had figured in my head that if Micah was more than 2 years apart from his siblings that they wouldn't ever get along and be as good friends as my sister and I or as Albert and his brother (although that could still happen, just not for a little while). And Micah is so ready for a sibling. Out of nowhere he will hold out his hands and tell me the baby is sleeping, or that I should rock the baby. Or that the baby is crying and I need to give it a kiss, or that I should lay the baby in it's bed. He will pretend a piece of food is a baby, or sometimes it's just the air. I watch him around babies and he checks on them, and shares his toys with them, or turns on the music for them. It's so very very cute and adorable. It almost breaks my heart sometimes to know that he doesn't have a sibling here to love and enjoy. - Obviously it wouldn't always be roses, but you know what I mean. But as my husband says, we will just be able to enjoy Micah thoroughly and invest ourselves in him and be really well bonded and in the mean time we will continue to expose Micah to children of various ages to play with and to learn from. I will pray that he will be able to open his heart to siblings when the time comes, even if it means that he has to share his parents, who he will have had to himself for quite awhile. However, I know that God will be working in his heart just as He works in our hearts to prepare us for the children He has for us. When they do arrive, I know they will be loved. So loved. They are loved already.
So full of so many emotions right now. Part of it could be from the lack of sleep from last night...not much sleep was had at our house last night. Seems odd...but it was really an odd night... a culmination of random things keeping us all awake. Guess that's why I'm not even bothering to try to sleep right now. Anyways, that's not the point. Tonight we had our first meeting about adoption. So happy to be starting along this journey! However, it was a bit of a reality check in many ways for me I think. Not that I didn't know most of everything that was spoken about, but more so just that any exception/fantasy that I might have dreamed up is clearly not going to happen. Which makes sense because this is reality and not a fantasy world - which you'd think I'd have learned by now. Life is super real. You don't get special treatment because you are you.
It was a good meeting though. Lots to look forward to. There are really endless ways in which we can help children in need. A couple of things that have tugged on our hearts are the adoption of a sibling group or maybe the foster with a view to adopt program. We will be open to whatever God wants us to be open to. (Small plug here for a spouse who is like-minded: so appreciative that my husband loves God and wants to follow His will and purpose for our lives and our family as well; that He is willing to be open to whatever God has in store. Love love love this about my husband. Love, so much love for him that he is willing to jump into this journey with two feet and not look back. Love that he wants to love whoever God brings into our lives completely. Love that God brought us together for each other. Yes I love my husband.) The journey is however going to be long.
This for me is difficult to get over. Obviously I would like a child now. I was ready to have a child in January, then I was ready to have a child in July. So not having my children here with me is hard. Not having the possibility to have another child within a year is difficult as well. There really is no way to have a child right now. Some people wait years and years before they have a child. I am blessed with one really great little boy that I can hold and play with here, two beautiful little children that I can love now and hold later and the possibility of loving and holding new children in a year or two. I just have to keep trusting God and keep my focus on Him (goes along with all that contentment stuff I had been talking about...definitely still struggling with that...but still praying for it). Yes, I must admit to grieving the fact that Micah will not have a sibling to grow up with for awhile. A prospect that makes me sad. I was very close to my sister growing up and Albert was close to his brother growing up and I really wanted that for Micah too. Somehow I had figured in my head that if Micah was more than 2 years apart from his siblings that they wouldn't ever get along and be as good friends as my sister and I or as Albert and his brother (although that could still happen, just not for a little while). And Micah is so ready for a sibling. Out of nowhere he will hold out his hands and tell me the baby is sleeping, or that I should rock the baby. Or that the baby is crying and I need to give it a kiss, or that I should lay the baby in it's bed. He will pretend a piece of food is a baby, or sometimes it's just the air. I watch him around babies and he checks on them, and shares his toys with them, or turns on the music for them. It's so very very cute and adorable. It almost breaks my heart sometimes to know that he doesn't have a sibling here to love and enjoy. - Obviously it wouldn't always be roses, but you know what I mean. But as my husband says, we will just be able to enjoy Micah thoroughly and invest ourselves in him and be really well bonded and in the mean time we will continue to expose Micah to children of various ages to play with and to learn from. I will pray that he will be able to open his heart to siblings when the time comes, even if it means that he has to share his parents, who he will have had to himself for quite awhile. However, I know that God will be working in his heart just as He works in our hearts to prepare us for the children He has for us. When they do arrive, I know they will be loved. So loved. They are loved already.
Saturday, October 20, 2012
Heaven
So I have been thinking lately about what Heaven is like. So I decided to dive into my Bible to find some verses about Heaven. Two of my children are there so I wanted to know a little bit more about what it's like.
As I read some verses regarding Heaven a few things stood out to me. (I've put the verses first, and then some thoughts afterwards).
Matthew 13:31-32
He told them another parable: "The kingdom of heaven is like a mustard seed, which a man took and planted in his field. Though it is the smallest of all seed, yet when it grows, it is the largest of garden plants and becomes a tree, so that the birds come and perch in its branches."
Matthew 13:44
The kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field. When a man found it, he hid it again, and then in his joy went and sold all he had and bought that field.
Matthew 13:45-46
The kingdom of heaven is like a merchant looking for fine pearls. When he found one of great value, he went away and sold everything he had and bought it.
John 14:1-4
"Do not let your hearts be troubled. You believe in God; believe also in me. My Father's house has many rooms; if that were not so, would I have told you that I am going there to prepare a place for you? And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am. You know the way to the place where I am going."
Philippians 1:20-24
I eagerly expect and hope that I will in no way be ashamed, but will have sufficient courage so that now as always Christ will be exalted in my body, whether by life or by death. For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain. If I am to go on living in the body, this will mean fruitful labour for me. Yet what shall I choose? I do not know! I am torn between the two: I desire to depart and be with Christ, which is better by far; but it is more necessary for you that I remain in the body.
Hebrews 11:16-17
Instead, they were longing for a better country- a heavenly one. Therefore God is not ashamed to be called their God, for he has prepared a city for them.
Revelations 21:4-5
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." He who was seated on the throne said, "I am making everything new!" Then he said, "Write this down, for these words are trustworthy and true."
Revelations 4:2-3
At once I was in the Spirit and there before me was a throne in heaven with someone sitting on it. And the one who sat there had the appearance of jasper and ruby. A rainbow that shone like an emerald encircled the throne.
Revelations 4:8-11
Each of the four living creatures had six wings and was covered with eyes all around, even under its wings. Day and night they never stop saying: "Holy, holy, holy is the Lord God Almighty, who was, who is and is to come." Whenever the living creatures give glory, honour and thanks to him who sits on the throne and who lives for ever and ever, the twenty-four elders fall down before him who sits on the throne and worship him who lives for ever and ever. They lay their crowns before the throne and say: "You are worthy, our Lord and God, to receive glory and honour and power, for you created all things, and by your will they were created and have their being."
Here are a few of my thoughts regarding all of this...
When Jesus describes Heaven, He did it mostly using parables/stories. He describes Heaven as being like a mustard seed, a treasure hidden in a field and a pearl. I'm no theologian, so I can only interpret things as far as I can, but treasure and pearls are considered to be quite amazing and priceless. In both cases the parable says that the people who find the treasure and the pearl sell everything to be able to attain the treasure or pearl. That to me says that Heaven is amazing and priceless. It's worth everything we have and then more. It's just that wonderful and awesome.
Jesus also talks about preparing rooms in Heaven for us (John 14:1-4) - that He would prepare a place for us.
When Paul is writing in the book of Philippians he says "I desire to depart and be with Christ, which is better by far; but it is more necessary for you that I remain in the body." He talks about how being with Christ is far better than remaining on this earth. Paul yearned to be with Jesus in Heaven. He remained on earth because God had plans for him, but he knew that being with Jesus in Heaven would be so much better than being on this earth.
In Revelations it talks a lot about Heaven now, but even more what Heaven will look like. It seems far to awesome to even begin to picture it. It talks about how there will be no more tears, no pain, no death, no hurt - how we long for that to be true here on earth, but know it isn't possible - not since the Garden of Eden happened. A place of no sorrow, no death. How amazing would that be? No death. Death is gone. Death does not exist. And I love how it continues to say that "these words are trustworthy and true". Heaven - where there is no death.
But what is there in Heaven? Jesus. In revelations it talks about unending praise for our Saviour. All creatures and people are constantly praising His Holy Name. Singing, music, praise for our Saviour all the time. It's a worship service that never ends and is even more meaningful and real because Jesus is there! Hearts overflowing with love and thankfulness to our Saviour.
All this being said, now when I think of Heaven, I think of my Saviour Jesus and I think of my children Kalyna and Jaimie who are there as well. (I'm not sure what everyone's opinion on whether my children are in Heaven or not, but there are many many Bible verses that point and show that children that haven't reached an age of accountability go to Heaven. The book "Safe in the Arms of God" by John MacArthur, details many of those verses that explain that miscarried babies, stillborn babies, infants and young children are with Jesus when they die.) I know that God has also given me peace that Jesus is holding my children in His arms. I believe that Jaimie and Kalyna are in Heaven with Jesus in the place that He has prepared for them, singing His praises with so much love in their hearts and big smiles on their faces. I believe they are dancing too with so much joy and so much love.
It's funny because I can even picture them. Kalyna with curly dark hair in pigtails and a light blue dress to match her stunning blue eyes. Jaimie in her arms, blond hair and blue eyes giggling and laughing. (Not sure why I always picture Jaimie younger than Kalyna, technically Jaimie is older, but Jaimie is younger anyways. - I never really know whether Jaimie is a boy or a girl. I tend to lean towards a girl, but I'm not really sure - a surprise that will be waiting for me in Heaven I guess.) But nonetheless, I rest assured that my children are in a place that is awesome and amazing. A place worth more than we can ever imagine. A place of no death, pain, hurt or sadness. A place of constant love and praise. A huge worship service. A place with my Jesus. My children are safe, happy, loved and cared for. Their hearts are so full of love that they spill forth with praise to our Jesus. What a wonderful thing to look forward to...the day when I can join my Jaimie and my Kalyna and can praise my Jesus face to face - no longer with the sting and pain of death in my heart.
As I read some verses regarding Heaven a few things stood out to me. (I've put the verses first, and then some thoughts afterwards).
Matthew 13:31-32
He told them another parable: "The kingdom of heaven is like a mustard seed, which a man took and planted in his field. Though it is the smallest of all seed, yet when it grows, it is the largest of garden plants and becomes a tree, so that the birds come and perch in its branches."
Matthew 13:44
The kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field. When a man found it, he hid it again, and then in his joy went and sold all he had and bought that field.
Matthew 13:45-46
The kingdom of heaven is like a merchant looking for fine pearls. When he found one of great value, he went away and sold everything he had and bought it.
John 14:1-4
"Do not let your hearts be troubled. You believe in God; believe also in me. My Father's house has many rooms; if that were not so, would I have told you that I am going there to prepare a place for you? And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am. You know the way to the place where I am going."
Philippians 1:20-24
I eagerly expect and hope that I will in no way be ashamed, but will have sufficient courage so that now as always Christ will be exalted in my body, whether by life or by death. For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain. If I am to go on living in the body, this will mean fruitful labour for me. Yet what shall I choose? I do not know! I am torn between the two: I desire to depart and be with Christ, which is better by far; but it is more necessary for you that I remain in the body.
Hebrews 11:16-17
Instead, they were longing for a better country- a heavenly one. Therefore God is not ashamed to be called their God, for he has prepared a city for them.
Revelations 21:4-5
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." He who was seated on the throne said, "I am making everything new!" Then he said, "Write this down, for these words are trustworthy and true."
Revelations 4:2-3
At once I was in the Spirit and there before me was a throne in heaven with someone sitting on it. And the one who sat there had the appearance of jasper and ruby. A rainbow that shone like an emerald encircled the throne.
Revelations 4:8-11
Each of the four living creatures had six wings and was covered with eyes all around, even under its wings. Day and night they never stop saying: "Holy, holy, holy is the Lord God Almighty, who was, who is and is to come." Whenever the living creatures give glory, honour and thanks to him who sits on the throne and who lives for ever and ever, the twenty-four elders fall down before him who sits on the throne and worship him who lives for ever and ever. They lay their crowns before the throne and say: "You are worthy, our Lord and God, to receive glory and honour and power, for you created all things, and by your will they were created and have their being."
Here are a few of my thoughts regarding all of this...
When Jesus describes Heaven, He did it mostly using parables/stories. He describes Heaven as being like a mustard seed, a treasure hidden in a field and a pearl. I'm no theologian, so I can only interpret things as far as I can, but treasure and pearls are considered to be quite amazing and priceless. In both cases the parable says that the people who find the treasure and the pearl sell everything to be able to attain the treasure or pearl. That to me says that Heaven is amazing and priceless. It's worth everything we have and then more. It's just that wonderful and awesome.
Jesus also talks about preparing rooms in Heaven for us (John 14:1-4) - that He would prepare a place for us.
When Paul is writing in the book of Philippians he says "I desire to depart and be with Christ, which is better by far; but it is more necessary for you that I remain in the body." He talks about how being with Christ is far better than remaining on this earth. Paul yearned to be with Jesus in Heaven. He remained on earth because God had plans for him, but he knew that being with Jesus in Heaven would be so much better than being on this earth.
In Revelations it talks a lot about Heaven now, but even more what Heaven will look like. It seems far to awesome to even begin to picture it. It talks about how there will be no more tears, no pain, no death, no hurt - how we long for that to be true here on earth, but know it isn't possible - not since the Garden of Eden happened. A place of no sorrow, no death. How amazing would that be? No death. Death is gone. Death does not exist. And I love how it continues to say that "these words are trustworthy and true". Heaven - where there is no death.
But what is there in Heaven? Jesus. In revelations it talks about unending praise for our Saviour. All creatures and people are constantly praising His Holy Name. Singing, music, praise for our Saviour all the time. It's a worship service that never ends and is even more meaningful and real because Jesus is there! Hearts overflowing with love and thankfulness to our Saviour.
All this being said, now when I think of Heaven, I think of my Saviour Jesus and I think of my children Kalyna and Jaimie who are there as well. (I'm not sure what everyone's opinion on whether my children are in Heaven or not, but there are many many Bible verses that point and show that children that haven't reached an age of accountability go to Heaven. The book "Safe in the Arms of God" by John MacArthur, details many of those verses that explain that miscarried babies, stillborn babies, infants and young children are with Jesus when they die.) I know that God has also given me peace that Jesus is holding my children in His arms. I believe that Jaimie and Kalyna are in Heaven with Jesus in the place that He has prepared for them, singing His praises with so much love in their hearts and big smiles on their faces. I believe they are dancing too with so much joy and so much love.
It's funny because I can even picture them. Kalyna with curly dark hair in pigtails and a light blue dress to match her stunning blue eyes. Jaimie in her arms, blond hair and blue eyes giggling and laughing. (Not sure why I always picture Jaimie younger than Kalyna, technically Jaimie is older, but Jaimie is younger anyways. - I never really know whether Jaimie is a boy or a girl. I tend to lean towards a girl, but I'm not really sure - a surprise that will be waiting for me in Heaven I guess.) But nonetheless, I rest assured that my children are in a place that is awesome and amazing. A place worth more than we can ever imagine. A place of no death, pain, hurt or sadness. A place of constant love and praise. A huge worship service. A place with my Jesus. My children are safe, happy, loved and cared for. Their hearts are so full of love that they spill forth with praise to our Jesus. What a wonderful thing to look forward to...the day when I can join my Jaimie and my Kalyna and can praise my Jesus face to face - no longer with the sting and pain of death in my heart.
Tuesday, October 16, 2012
Sometimes days are frustrating
It was a frustrating day. You know, one of those days when you want to do something, but emotions get in the way. I was going to help out at a group that I was helping out at before when I was pregnant. I'm not very involved with the group, I just watch the kids while the group goes on. However, the program had ended before the summer and was just starting up again. Chances are that the people in the group would have no idea what happened. This generally causes me anxiety. I'm not sure why I get so anxious about telling people, but I do. A lot. I think that's part of why I'm writing, it's easier that way.
Anyways, the coordinator had asked me what I'd like to do about telling people. If I wanted her to do it, or if I would do it etc. I had done a lot of praying about it and had decided that it should be me that does it. That way I can explain things and try to point to God in all of it. I think it's more meaningful when it comes from the person it happened to. That and being vulnerable with others tends to open doors and people tend to be more open with you. I've learned that from previous experience. So that is what I had hoped to do. I had been preparing myself all morning to be able to do this.
However, curve ball.....
I was in the childcare room and happened to be holding a four month old little boy. What a sweet little boy. So smiley and cute! Anyways, someone came in at that moment and saw me and said, "oh you had a little boy!" Yikes...talk about throwing me completely off. I would have loved to have said, yes, or said no but she's in the other room. She had no idea obviously and it's a very natural and normal assumption to say. It just caught me off-guard. I should be prepared for stuff like that by now, but apparently I'm not. Well I had to give an honest answer, and well saying it out loud still brings tears to my eyes and chokes me up. Normally I try to continue on with a discussion, but bless this woman, she changed the subject so fast that we were talking about something else in a milisecond. Very sweet. She's great. Her daughter is pretty awesome too!
I just feel like I didn't get to say everything I wanted to say because my emotions got in the way again. After that, the pain and sadness were back and I had a hard time shaking it that I didn't even remember to mention to the coordinator that I could say something to the group.
The kids kept me busy all morning. There sure were a lot of them today!
Yay for the group getting bigger! :)
I guess this just means I need to make sure that I have an answer ready that is longer than a couple words and practice till I am comfortable saying what I want to say. There really is no manual for any of this and some days truly are a struggle. Thankfully I have my Heavenly Father holding onto me, and giving me strength. I need to make sure that I embrace that strength each and every day, each and every moment. Hopefully I will still get the chance to share my story with this group.
Anyways, the coordinator had asked me what I'd like to do about telling people. If I wanted her to do it, or if I would do it etc. I had done a lot of praying about it and had decided that it should be me that does it. That way I can explain things and try to point to God in all of it. I think it's more meaningful when it comes from the person it happened to. That and being vulnerable with others tends to open doors and people tend to be more open with you. I've learned that from previous experience. So that is what I had hoped to do. I had been preparing myself all morning to be able to do this.
However, curve ball.....
I was in the childcare room and happened to be holding a four month old little boy. What a sweet little boy. So smiley and cute! Anyways, someone came in at that moment and saw me and said, "oh you had a little boy!" Yikes...talk about throwing me completely off. I would have loved to have said, yes, or said no but she's in the other room. She had no idea obviously and it's a very natural and normal assumption to say. It just caught me off-guard. I should be prepared for stuff like that by now, but apparently I'm not. Well I had to give an honest answer, and well saying it out loud still brings tears to my eyes and chokes me up. Normally I try to continue on with a discussion, but bless this woman, she changed the subject so fast that we were talking about something else in a milisecond. Very sweet. She's great. Her daughter is pretty awesome too!
I just feel like I didn't get to say everything I wanted to say because my emotions got in the way again. After that, the pain and sadness were back and I had a hard time shaking it that I didn't even remember to mention to the coordinator that I could say something to the group.
The kids kept me busy all morning. There sure were a lot of them today!
Yay for the group getting bigger! :)
I guess this just means I need to make sure that I have an answer ready that is longer than a couple words and practice till I am comfortable saying what I want to say. There really is no manual for any of this and some days truly are a struggle. Thankfully I have my Heavenly Father holding onto me, and giving me strength. I need to make sure that I embrace that strength each and every day, each and every moment. Hopefully I will still get the chance to share my story with this group.
Saturday, October 13, 2012
Bible verses that have stood out to me
These are verses that while I've been reading, have spoken and stood out to me. I've found comfort and strength and love in the pages of God's word. God gave us His word to help us understand Him and who He is. It's there to strengthen us and to encourage. It's there to help us point others towards Him. I'm so glad God gave us His word. I know that God's word was not always a priority in my life, and it's unfortunate that it takes trials in this life to realize that we can't get through life without it. It's so important that before trials come, to be committed to reading and understanding the word of God.
For everything that was written in the past was written to teach us, so that through the endurance taught in the Scriptures and the encouragement they provide we might have hope. ~Romans 15:4~
I wait for the Lord, my whole being waits, and in his word I put my hope. ~Psalm 130:5~
Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock. The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house, yet it did not fall, because it had it's foundation on the rock. ~Matthew 7:24~
Oh, the depth of the riches of the wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable his judgements, and his path beyond tracing out! Who has known the mind of the Lord? Or who has been his counselor? Who has ever given to God, that God should repay them? For from him and through him are all things. To him be the glory forever! Amen ~Romans 11:33-36~
Teach me to do your will, for you are my God; may your good Spirit lead me on level ground. ~Psalm 143:10~
But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own. ~Matthew 6:33-34~
In him was life, and that life was the light of all mankind. The light shines in the darkness; and the darkness has not overcome it. ~John 1:4-5~
We know that we are children of God, and that the whole world is under the control of the evil one. We know also that the Son of God has come and has given us understanding so that we may know him who is true. And we are in him who is true by being in his Son Jesus Christ. He is the true God and eternal life. ~1 John 5:19-20~
In fact, this is love for God: to keep his commands. And his commands are not burdensome, for everyone born of God overcomes the world. This is the victory that has overcome the world, even our faith. Who is it that overcomes the world? Only the one who believes that Jesus is the Son of God.
~1 John 5:3-5~
Then Peter got down out of the boat, walked on the water and came toward Jesus. But when he saw the wind, he was afraid and, beginning to sink, cried out, "Lord, save me!" Immediately Jesus reached out his hand and caught him. "You of little faith," he said "why did you doubt?"
~Matthew 14:30-31~
May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. ~Romans 15:13~
Take delight in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart. ~Psalm 37:4~
Be still before the Lord and wait patiently for him; ~Psalm 37:7a~
Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. ~Romans 12:12~
Yet to all who did receive him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God - children born not of natural descent, nor human decision or a husband's will, but born of God. ~John 1:12-13~
Lord Almighty, blessed is the one who trusts in you. ~Psalm 84:12~
For everything that was written in the past was written to teach us, so that through the endurance taught in the Scriptures and the encouragement they provide we might have hope. ~Romans 15:4~
I wait for the Lord, my whole being waits, and in his word I put my hope. ~Psalm 130:5~
Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock. The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house, yet it did not fall, because it had it's foundation on the rock. ~Matthew 7:24~
Oh, the depth of the riches of the wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable his judgements, and his path beyond tracing out! Who has known the mind of the Lord? Or who has been his counselor? Who has ever given to God, that God should repay them? For from him and through him are all things. To him be the glory forever! Amen ~Romans 11:33-36~
Teach me to do your will, for you are my God; may your good Spirit lead me on level ground. ~Psalm 143:10~
But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own. ~Matthew 6:33-34~
In him was life, and that life was the light of all mankind. The light shines in the darkness; and the darkness has not overcome it. ~John 1:4-5~
We know that we are children of God, and that the whole world is under the control of the evil one. We know also that the Son of God has come and has given us understanding so that we may know him who is true. And we are in him who is true by being in his Son Jesus Christ. He is the true God and eternal life. ~1 John 5:19-20~
In fact, this is love for God: to keep his commands. And his commands are not burdensome, for everyone born of God overcomes the world. This is the victory that has overcome the world, even our faith. Who is it that overcomes the world? Only the one who believes that Jesus is the Son of God.
~1 John 5:3-5~
Then Peter got down out of the boat, walked on the water and came toward Jesus. But when he saw the wind, he was afraid and, beginning to sink, cried out, "Lord, save me!" Immediately Jesus reached out his hand and caught him. "You of little faith," he said "why did you doubt?"
~Matthew 14:30-31~
May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. ~Romans 15:13~
Take delight in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart. ~Psalm 37:4~
Be still before the Lord and wait patiently for him; ~Psalm 37:7a~
Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. ~Romans 12:12~
Yet to all who did receive him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God - children born not of natural descent, nor human decision or a husband's will, but born of God. ~John 1:12-13~
Lord Almighty, blessed is the one who trusts in you. ~Psalm 84:12~
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