Encouragement (Page 27)

I am currently reading the Easter story in my Bible.  I am touched by the fact that Jesus sacrificed His earthly life for me.  In the past, I have given up candy, cookies, or soda for Lent.  This token sacrifice has done little to bring me closer to God.  This year I am fasting from gossip.  It is much harder than not eating a food I know I can enjoy after Easter.  I have not been perfect, but have tried to be positive about others instead of tearing them down.  I know I do not want to start talking bad about others again. Gossip isRead More →

In the past, I would fast from one favorite food, like candy, or soda during the 40 days of Lent.  At first I was tempted to indulge in what I gave up.  I quickly found another “fix” to replace what I could no longer eat.  This “fasting” never brought me closer to God.  This time I will fast from gossip and negative talk.  James 3:5 is, “Likewise, the tongue is a small part of the body, but it makes great boasts.  Consider what a great forest is set on fire by a small spark”  (Holy Bible, New International Version, 2001). Once word are spoken, I cannot takeRead More →

It is easy for me to run to God with big issues.  Financial woes and health concerns signal the need to reach for His help. Every time I call out in prayer, God comes through. Sometimes He answers my request and other times He strengthens me to survive a storm.  My faith and trust in God have grown through answered prayers.  There is no problem is too small and unimportant for God to handle. Isaiah 26:4 is, “You will keep in perfect peace all who trust in you, all whose thoughts are fixed on you!”  (Holy Bible, New Living Translation, 1996, 2004, 2007).  As longRead More →

My frustrations add up as I face constant stress. There never is enough time in the day to finish everything on my “to do” list.  I forget to thaw meat so I scramble to find ingredients to cook dinner.  My job and family responsibilities leave me little time to relax.  If I focus on the negatives in my life, I feel the world is against me.  My old escape, food, is around the corner tempting me to indulge.  Deep down, I know God is the answer instead of food. Philippians 4:19 is, “And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches ofRead More →

Occasionally, I forget eating healthy is a slow race I will compete in for the rest of my life.  If I “sprint” by following a fad diet to lost 10 pounds, I will gain the weight back.  Sometimes I don’t see progress and am tempted to give up.  Galatians 6:9 is, “So let’s not get tired of doing what is good.  At just the right time we will reap a harvest of blessing if we don’t give up.”  (Holy Bible, New Living Translation, 1996, 2004, 2007).  I must keep doing the right thing.   I am a work in progress.  God is patiently continuing to show me allRead More →