Hope Reflected

Encouragement and Hope from God's Word

quotes Archive

Wednesday

20

July 2016

Wednesday Wisdom: God Will Help You Find a Way

Written by , Posted in Christian Living, Wednesday Wisdom

God will help you

“God did not remove the Red Sea, He opened it: He will help us find a way through our problems as well.” Brad Wilcox

How many times have we read in Exodus how God parted the Red Sea for Moses, allowing the Israelites to walk on dry ground and cross to safety while being pursued by their enemies? We’ve heard the event shared time after time after time; this is classic Sunday School lesson material.

Exodus 14:21-22 (KJV) tells us, “And Moses stretched out his hand over the sea; and the LORD caused the sea to go back by a strong east wind all that night, and made the sea dry land, and the waters were divided. And the children of Israel went into the midst of the sea upon the dry ground: and the waters were a wall unto them on their right hand, and on their left.”

Notice anything interesting about this selection of scripture? It wasn’t until I came across author Brad Wilcox’s awesome quote that the truth struck me: God divided the waters of the Red Sea for the Israelites so they could cross to safety.

“God did not remove the Red Sea, He opened it: He will help us find a way through our problems as well.” Brad Wilcox

Wow.

Sometimes we can hear a truth over and over again, but until it’s explained in the simplest of terms, we don’t necessarily understand the breadth of it.

God’s not necessarily going to remove our problems, but He has promised to help us through whatever challenges we’re facing.

David testified in Psalm 23:4, “Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.”

Psalm 46:1 tells us, “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.”

Isaiah 41:10 instructs us, “Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness.”

In Matthew 11:28-30, Jesus promises us, “Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.”

God is with us, always, if we trust in Him. God is our refuge, and our strength. God will give you the strength to get through whatever challenge or problem you are facing, if you will trust in Him. God is the one who will provide us with rest. Seek Him, learn about Him, trust Him.

We don’t need to fear problems or eliminate them when we have the choice to face them with God on our side.

“God did not remove the Red Sea, He opened it: He will help us find a way through our problems as well.” Brad Wilcox

Trust God, and let Him help you today!

Wednesday

29

June 2016

Wednesday Wisdom: Remember to Rest (Thoughts on Psalm 23:2)

Written by , Posted in Christian Living, Wednesday Wisdom

psalm 23:2 he maketh me to lie down in green pastures

“He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters.” Psalm 23:2

Psalm 23 is a frequently-quoted chapter from the Bible, and as such, I think we often overlook the significance of its verses.

Take verse 2 for example.

“He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters.”

Anyone who lives in farming country knows that the pasture is the place where the grazing animals go, whether cattle or sheep. Typically the animals in the pasture,— especially in David’s time when he wrote this Psalm,— were well-tended and protected by the shepherd. They were safe.

“He maketh me to lie down in green pastures:”

He is God. He maketh me to lie down in green pastures. God doesn’t just want us to rush through this life, no, I’d venture to say from this verse that He wants us to take time to rest, to be at peace, to learn to be still, and to trust Him.

Green pastures also indicate goodness and provision; God will provide more than we can imagine if we’ll trust Him. In Benson’s Commentary, he says it like this: “God provides for His people, not only food and rest, but refreshment also, and pleasure. The waters by and to which he leads them afford them both a pleasant prospect and many a cooling and refreshing draught, when they are thirsty and weary.”

“He leadeth me beside the still waters.”

I don’t know about you, but imagining the idea of a green pasture and still waters brings to mind the most peaceful, colourful, and serene setting.

The other fact that I love about Psalm 23:2, is that David says God leads us. He leads us, because if we were left to make our own path, it would only lead to our demise.

If you’re feeling anxious, or stressed, or like you just need rest, take refuge in this:

“He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters.” Psalm 23:2

Tuesday

28

June 2016

Encouragement: 1 Peter 5:7

Written by , Posted in Christian Living, Encouragement

1 Peter 5:7 Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you.

“Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you.” 1 Peter 5:7

That’s the traditional King James Version, however translated into other versions, the “care” referred to in 1 Peter 5:7 is also translated as anxieties and worries.

Isn’t that an incredible thought? We can cast any of our anxieties, worries, and fears on the Lord, because He cares for us. He cares for us.

Whenever I read 1 Peter 5:7, I’m also reminded of Matthew 11:28-30, where Jesus offers rest and peace of mind:

“Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls.” Matthew 11:28-30

Only God can truly give us rest. For anyone who is heavy laden and filled with cares, cast them on God! 1 Peter 5:7 says to cast all your care — not just some of your care. God wants it all. And in exchange, He’ll provide you with the peace that passes all understanding.

If you find yourself with so many cares and if you’re feeling anxious or worried, take heart! Cast all your care upon God; He cares for you!

Wednesday

22

June 2016

Wednesday Wisdom: The Best Way To Get Things Done is To Get Started

Written by , Posted in Christian Living, Wednesday Wisdom

wednesday wisdom: the best way to get things done is to get started

Call it wisdom, or call it a life hack: The best way to get things done is to get started.

We’ve all been there. The most important task we should be doing is the last thing we feel like getting started. Whether it be house work, cleaning, or final exams, sometimes getting started is so hard.

But that’s the key.

Get started.

Getting started on something is often the hardest part, but when you make the decision to dive in and begin, you’ll find you’re able to get more done.

Increase your productivity by helping yourself out along the way. Don’t leave things until the morning of; take steps the night before to make your life easier. Set up the coffee, plan your outfit, take notes. Do as much prep work in advance of your task as possible, that way, when it comes time to actually beginning the work at hand, you’re better prepared, ready to work, and more apt to remain focused.

Sometimes, you just have to simply begin.

Monday

20

June 2016

Monday Encouragement: Psalm 18:30

Written by , Posted in Christian Living, Encouragement

psalm 18:30 God is a buckler to all those who trust in Him

“As for God, his way is perfect: the word of the LORD is tried: He is a buckler to all those that trust in Him.” Psalm 18:30

Ever wonder what a buckler is? A buckler is defined as being “a portable shield”, “a shield surrounding the person”, “a large shield protecting the whole body”.

If you’re going into this week (or this month, this year) wondering how you’ll ever make it through, just remember: God is our buckler. David tells us right in Psalm 18! “He is a buckler to all those that trust in Him.” All you have to do is trust God. He’s got this!

David wrote Psalm 18 in the day that the LORD delivered him from the hand of all his enemies, and specifically from Saul (who was seeking him out to kill him). If the great King David could utter these words when he was on the run in the wilderness, surely we can claim God as our buckler, too!

“As for God, his way is perfect:” God’s way may not always be our way (read: His way is most of the time completely not our way, for real). Isaiah 55:8-9 says, “For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the LORD. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts.”

We may think we’ve got it all together, we may think we’ve got the best plan, but when it comes right down to it, God’s way is the best way, and His plan for our lives is the best plan. We’ve been in His mind since the day we were born, and God knows every single circumstance, relationship, job, career, pursuit, joy, sadness, and love before it’s even a thought in our minds. Until we completely surrender to God’s will, we’re just wandering nomads.

“…the word of the LORD is tried:” God’s Word is tried, tested, and true. If you’re in need of encouragement (aren’t we all?!) then flip open your Bible to one of the Psalms. Proof of God’s truth is everywhere throughout the Bible, and it’s not religion; God’s Word is full of historical facts!

“As for God, his way is perfect: the word of the LORD is tried: He is a buckler to all those that trust in Him.”

If you’re entering this morning feeling unsure, or filled with doubt, or afraid, or sad, or unloved, remember this: God’s way is perfect, and He will be your buckler if you put your trust in Him. 

Tuesday

14

June 2016

Hope Reflected: It Is What’s On The Inside That Counts

Written by , Posted in Christian Living, Published Work

it is what's on the inside that counts 1 Samuel 16:7b

It is what’s on the inside that counts.

Recently, Wes and I have been spending several hours each week out in the yard; I’ve been working in the garden, and he’s been tending to the lawn (where we have a serious thing with dandelions – anyone have suggestions for how we can eradicate them?). We’ve been spending a record amount of time outdoors this season, weeding our garden faithfully and working on other outdoor living projects. Regardless of the day, I am always struck by the amount of weeds that pop up overnight in our garden, and how when I pull them, although the top part of the weed is small, the roots are huge and deeply settled in the soil.

When I was first started pulling the weeds, I thought to myself, “They’ll come out easily enough,” only to be surprised with how deep-rooted they were. How often do we look at things on the surface and think we know what lies on the inside, only to delve deeper and be surprised when things are completely different than we expected? It’s kind of like looking at an iceberg. What we see above water is only about 10% of the total iceberg; the other 90%, the greater mass, lies beneath the waters.

How often do we, as human beings, just look at the surface, when so often there is so much deeper-rooted beneath in the spirit!

1 Samuel 16:7 (KJV) says, “But the LORD said unto Samuel, Look not on his countenance, or on the height of his stature; because I have refused him: for the LORD seeth not as man seeth, for man looketh on the outward appearance, but the LORD looketh on the heart.”

Take King David, for instance. The Lord looked on David with favour, while in his early days mere mortals thought of David as the least regarded and good only for tending sheep (rather than defending a nation). If we as humans got it wrong then, who’s to say we don’t often get it wrong now?

How often do we see a homeless person, or encounter someone with less than we’ve been blessed with, and pass judgment? How often do we look on our circumstances and feel bad, comparing ourselves to others, when really we know nothing of what’s really going on in their lives? When we take time to look past the surface, we’ll learn not to judge a book by it’s cover, and that it is what’s on the inside that counts:

  1. Be interested. Philippians 2:4 (KJV) says that we should, “Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others.” Instead of looking in, take time to look out. Be sincerely interested in those around you. When you’re interested in others, others take interest in you. This is a great way to build true friendships and also to get to know those around you.
  2. Don’t judge. Matthew 7:1-2 (KJV) says, “Judge not, that ye be not judged. For with what judgment ye judge, ye shall be judged: and with what measure ye mete, it shall be measured to you again.” Quite often, we look on the appearance of others and form our decision from just what we can see. The beauty of it is, that God looks so much deeper than just looks. He looks into our heart.
  3. Search your heart. In Psalm 139: 1-3 (KJV), David asks the Lord to search his heart: “O LORD, thou hast searched me, and known me. Thou knowest my downsitting and mine uprising, thou understandest my thought afar off. Thou compassest my path and my lying down, and art acquainted with all my ways.” Ask the Lord to search your heart. While we should all spend more time looking out and up rather than in, a little bit of self-analysis and prayerful consideration can go a long way. What are our motives? What do we truly feel? What is our real condition?

I’ll close with this quote, which is a good reminder, from Proverbs 11:27 (KJV): “He that diligently seeketh good procureth favour: but he that seeketh mischief it shall come unto him.” Choose to be one who looks past the surface; don’t judge a book by its cover.

 

Originally published as “Don’t Judge a Book by its Cover.” Minto Express. June 1, 2016: 6. Print.

Monday

13

June 2016

Monday Encouragement: Philippians 4:19

Written by , Posted in Christian Living, Encouragement

Monday encouragement Philippians 4:19

There are some simple yet powerful truths found in the Bible, and Philippians 4:19 is no exception. God shall supply all your need. Simple words, but when you think about the truth behind the words, it’s a real encouragement!

The beginning of the week always brings along with it new tasks, ongoing projects, and sometimes a sense of overwhelm like, “How am I supposed to get everything done?!” You’re not alone!

In Paul’s Epistle to the Philippians, we are reminded of a very important truth; God knows our needs and will supply all that we need.

“But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:19

Be encouraged. When you start feeling overwhelmed, remember, God’s got this, and He will supply all your need when you trust in Him.

Wednesday

8

June 2016

Wednesday Wisdom: Speak Beauty

Written by , Posted in Christian Living, Wednesday Wisdom

speak beauty. wednesday wisdom

Wednesday Wisdom: “If you see something beautiful in someone, speak it.” (Ruthie Lindsey)

Sharing “feelings” isn’t always something that comes naturally to every person. Let’s be honest; it requires a certain level of vulnerability to offer a true compliment. Rather than finding out how someone else is doing out of genuine care, too often we get caught up in the almost robotic “How are you?” “I’m fine,” script.

Why not take some time this week to be authentic with another? Speaking beauty doesn’t mean acknowledging how someone looks; speaking beauty is acknowledging something beautiful in someone that you observe — a kind word, an open door, a helping hand.

1 Thessalonians 5:11 says that we should encourage one another and build each other up.

When you get the opportunity, speak beauty. You won’t regret it.

Tuesday

31

May 2016

Hope Reflected: 3 Facts About Patience

Written by , Posted in Christian Living, Hope's How-To, Published Work

3 facts about patience

When I told Wes that I was writing this week on the subject of patience he lovingly replied, “Did you say impatience?” I think he meant it jokingly, but the fact that he kept chuckling about it after he said it makes me wonder….

This column about patience was partially inspired by our weekly drive to church on Sunday mornings. Without fail, Wes and I always witness drivers, – evidently in a rush, – headed somewhere, speeding like bats of you-know-where, passing every vehicle in their path. Now, I’d be lying if I said I never speed or never pass, but the irony is when we witness this on a Sunday (especially if the driver speeding and passing is headed to church) or if we end up right behind said driver at the next set of lights. Today on the road was no different; there was someone out there speeding, but today, the driver passing got pulled over. Which begs the question, why the rush?

Well, it’s easy to get caught up in the rush of the everyday. Who can blame people? Information is available instantly through the Internet, large purchases can be put on credit, and there’s a drive through for just about anything you can think of. In a world like we live in today, who needs patience?

Patience is definitely an under-rated virtue in today’s fast-paced world, but that doesn’t mean it’s not important. Leo Tolstoy once said, “The most powerful warriors are patience and time,” and he was right. While it’s often easier to take the quick road out, planting a seed and watching it grow – whether you’re buying a new home, pursuing a career, or even looking for love – requires both patience and time.

So what does the Bible say regarding the topic of patience? Here are 3 requirements of patience that God’s Word teaches us:

  1. Patience requires us to rest. “Rest in the LORD, and wait patiently for him:” (Psalm 37:7) It’s ironic, isn’t it, that when we’re waiting for something, we often feel anxious or restless, but then the Bible instructs us to do the exact opposite, so there must be a reason, right? To put in context, David wrote Psalm 37 later in life, and if you know about David’s life, you know he had plenty of occasions to learn how to properly practice the virtue of patience. David knew what he was talking about when he instructed readers to “rest in the LORD.”
  2. Patience requires us to establish our hearts. “You also be patient. Establish your hearts, for the coming of the Lord is at hand.” (James 5:8) In verse 7, James instructs readers to be patient like the farmer who waits for the fruits of the earth. Farmers have some of the most stressful careers out there, which we all depend on! By definition, the word establish means to “set up on a firm or a permanent basis.” We all need a firm foundation, and the most important place is in our heart. If you don’t know Who you believe in, or what you stand for, you’re in for a bumpy ride. Patience requires us to examine our hearts, and further establish our Faith.
  3. Patience requires us to be humble. “Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love.” (Ephesians 4:2) Exercising patience, true patience, means that some of the following characteristics are going to be brought out in us: Humbleness, gentleness, meekness, forgiveness. You can’t be patient without exercising the aforementioned characteristics. True patience helps us become more like Christ.

It may not always be easy – in fact, sometimes exercising patience will be the hardest thing, — but practicing patience is worth the wait (quite literally). If you’re feeling discouraged or like you can’t go on, take heart! As missionary Elisabeth Elliot famously said, “Don’t dig up in doubt what you planted in faith.” Patience can be accomplished, one day at a time.

 

Originally published “3 Facts About Patience.” Minto Express. May 18, 2016: 5. Print.

Wednesday

20

April 2016

Hope Reflected: The Importance of Faithfulness, Even in the Little Things

Written by , Posted in Christian Living, Published Work

Lamentations 3:23 the importance of faithfulness

One of my favourite passages in the Bible is Lamentations 3:22-23, in which the author says, “It is of the LORD’s mercies that we are not consumed, because his compassions fail not. They are new every morning: great is thy faithfulness.”

God’s faithfulness is great.

Whenever I read this passage or hear the classic Thomas Chisholm hymn, “Great is Thy faithfulness”, I’m reminded of God’s faithfulness. And I’m also reminded that we sometimes read those words or sing that hymn without truly taking in the meaning, and the value, of faithfulness.

According to the Oxford Dictionary, being “faithful” means to remain loyal and steadfast. To be loyal is to have “a strong feeling of support or allegiance”, and to be steadfast is to be “resolutely or dutifully firm and unwavering”. Those are words with impact, and faithfulness is an impacting virtue.

While faithfulness is important in every aspect of our lives, I can think of three areas where the virtue of faithfulness is especially significant: Relationally, professionally, and financially.

  1. Faithfulness is a fundamental foundation in relationships. Hebrews 13:4 says that “Marriage is to be held in honor among all…” When we think about being faithful in a relationship, quite often the first thought is sexually. That’s certainly an important key, however I think too often we don’t place enough value on emotional faithfulness. Especially in today’s society, it seems to be more commonplace for women and men to go outside the marriage to confide in female or male friends, or even co-workers. Adultery doesn’t just refer to sexuality. Proverbs 6:32 says, “A man who commits adultery with a woman lacks wisdom, whoever does it destroys his own life.” Men and women alike should protect the sanctity of their marriage covenant. Proverbs 31:11-12 says of the virtuous woman, “The heart of her husband doth safely trust in her so that he shall have no need of spoil.”
  2. Faithfulness is a fundamental foundation in your career. There’s the old adage that says “find a job you love and you’ll never work a day in your life.” Maybe you don’t have the benefit of being in a job that you “love”, so perhaps you think your position doesn’t matter. It does. Regardless of whether you’re working in a job to make ends meet, or if you love your career choice, Colossians 3:23 instructs us, “And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men…”. Whether you love where you’re at professionally or not, we should all be working for God’s glory. You might say, “But what about my boss?!” Well, the Bible tell us in Romans 13:1, “For there is no power but of God: the powers that be are ordained of God.” Whether politically or professionally, no authority is in place without God’s plan being part of it. Rest in that, and do your best.
  3. Faithfulness is a fundamental foundation in your finances. Finances are always a touchy subject. Everybody has his or her own opinion about how to deal with their finances. But what does the Bible say? The Bible has a lot to say about our finances. Psalm 37:21 tells us, “The wicked borrows but does not pay back, but the righteous is generous and gives…”. As Christians, we are to be good stewards of all that God has blessed us with, and that means paying off debts as well as giving. Even as early as the book of Genesis (14:19-20), we are told that Abram tithed and gave the Lord a tenth of everything. In Proverbs 3:9-10 we are advised to “Honor the Lord with your wealth and the firstfruits of all your produce; then your barns will be filled with plenty, and your vats will be bursting with wine.” My Grama always reminded me that when she was young and newly married, she and my Grampa never bought what they couldn’t pay for upfront. It’s a good reminder that if there is something you want, don’t always be so quick to rely on your credit card. There’s reward in purchasing items outright and not owing anything. We should be faithful in our finances.

Faithfulness is a virtue that can be developed prayerfully and with good habits. Proverbs 28:20 says “A faithful man shall abound with blessings…”.

 

Originally published as “The Importance of Faithfulness, Even In the Little Things”. Minto Express. April 6, 2016: 5. Print.