Terri's Wellspring

One day Jesus told his disciples a story to show that they should always pray and never give up.  Matthew 18:1

We thank God for the blessing of today and this moment. God’s blessings of grace, mercy and love have created the opportunity of this day. Whatever the day brings we are able to share our joys and concerns with God through a constant spirit of prayer.  I am so thankful that we can talk to God, from wherever place we find ourselves: needing forgiveness, deliverance, comfort, wisdom or strength. Our God is a very present help, who loves and cares for us. What a blessing it is to know, that even when we are not in church, we don’t feel we have the right words, God hears us.  I remember thinking as a young person that when I know I have not done what is right, that I needed to wait for a special time in church to ask God for forgiveness.  I am so thankful that God hears our prayers anywhere and anytime.  We can maintain an ongoing conversation with God that allows us to express our concerns and our gratefulness for who our Heavenly Father is in our lives.

So as we continue to pray, we must also persevere and don’t faint. In this passage, Jesus encourages us never to give up.  Never is an absolute and is not conditional on our present trials and issues.  We may be in a season where we feel challenged on many sides but we must never give up.  We must continue to trust in God’s Word, God’s Ways and God’s Will for our lives.  Encourage yourself and others on the journey to continue to put our trust in our God and God’s word and never give up.  I have heard that it darkest before daybreak, continue to pray and persevere – Joy does come in the morning.

“So encourage each other and build each other up, just as you are already doing.”  I Thessalonians 5:11

The standard response I receive to the daily inquiries of “How are you?” is “I am hanging in there.” It used to be “I’m fine”. “Hanging in there” seems to indicate that we are doing what we can in what might be challenging times. It is understandable. Many aspects of our lives seem a little more intense – finances, relationships and work. As a result, we need a little more resiliency to keep moving forward. It is important to take even small opportunities to encourage one another. I used to say in response “hang tough”. Now, I try to encourage people to “use two hands”. I hope it is a small acknowledgement, that things may be tough and that I need you to do your best to survive it all. I hope it is a minor but persuasive way to encourage the people that cross my path.

God our Father loved us and by his kindness gave us everlasting encouragement and good hope. Together with our Lord Jesus Christ, may he encourage and strengthen you to do and say everything that is good.   I Thessalonians 2:16 – 17 God’s (Word Translation)

As children of God, we can approach each day with good hope. We have so many things to be thankful for in our lives – grace, mercy and God’s everlasting encouragement. As we travel on life’s journey, we can walk with confidence that God loves us, there is a divine purpose for our lives and that our Father is available to help us along the way.

Dear Father-

I am encouraged to serve You and to
do Your will in my life. I have hope in my heart as I continue on my journey.
You are God our Father and I thank You for Your grace and love for me. I am so
thankful for the blessings of peace, joy and contentment along the way. I am
encouraged with each step to walk with You. Thank You for the blessing of the
journey. I am encouraged.

Amen

The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands. Day after day they pour forth speech; night after night they display knowledge. Psalm 19 1- 2

Evidence of God’s creativity is all around us.  It’s reflective in so many ways within the precious earth that we live.  In things big and small we can see the marvelous work of our sovereign God.  In the last twenty-four hours, I have witnessed the beautiful display of God’s hands – plants and animals, the large roar of the waves of the ocean and the faithfulness of the sunrise.  Many of these things we take for granted, leading our busy lives.  Taking the time to witness His handiwork is a blessing.  To know that the same God who made the earth, made each of us is remarkable to me.  What a marvelous Artist and Craftsman – God is in our lives.

Do everything without complaining and arguing, so that no one can criticize you. Live clean, innocent lives as children of God, shining like bright lights in a world full of crooked and perverse people. Hold firmly to the word of life; then, on the day of Christ’s return, I will be proud that I did not run the race in vain and that my work was not useless.    Philippians 2:14 – 16  (New Living Translation)

“This Little Light of Mine” is a timeless children’s favorite.  The song has several familiar verses reminding us about the importance of letting our light shine.  It is a vital message for the young and the old in today’s dark world.  Just imagine if everyone were committed to being a light in their homes, work and relationships.  What if we used our words to build people up, being a positive influence and eliminated complaining?  Just as natural sunlight penetrates the darkness of night when the sunrises, it would transform the world we know.