Words of Inspiration BlogInspirational and Uplifting

2 Corinthians 1:8 - For we would not, brethren, have you ignorant of our trouble which came to us in Asia, that we were pressed out of measure, above strength, insomuch that we despaired of even life.

Dear Friends – There are times in life when situations and circumstances become overwhelming. Perhaps you’ve been praying and standing in faith. You may have even felt a tug in your spirit that everything would work out okay if you could somehow  just be patient a little longer. Beloved, these are hard times, pressing times. These are times when endurance is put to the test and we may begin to look around for a way of escape. Scripture says in 1 Corinthians 10:13 – There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it.

So first of all know, no matter what you are going through it is a common malady of the human race. But grasp the most important phrase of that verse of scripture “God is faithful”. Yes God is faithful to help us in all circumstances. He is aware of our human frailties, weaknesses, and sometimes even our own stupidity. But for all that we feel we lack, whether in endurance, wisdom or faith, God still loves us and His grace still covers all. He understands that life’s problems can become debilitating and life’s frustrations can bury us in a sea of emotional turmoil. If we are seeking Him He will not allow our circumstances to destroy us or become a load greater than we can bear. Yes there are times when we think we have reached the end of the road. There are times when we feel we can not bear situations and circumstances one more minute, but these are our feelings from our perspective in a somewhat weakened condition. The truth is God is faithful, and the reality is He will make a way of escape. He will be faithful to come and deliver you.

But I believe we are allowed to linger in negative circumstances to allow God time to show us just how much we are capable of with His help, and just how much we really can endure when we are rooted and grounded in His love. He is wanting to lead us into  a more intimate and trusting relationship, a closer walk with Him, and sometimes the only way to accomplish this is through hard times. We don’t like it of course, but in the end, on the other side, we are usually grateful for the learning experience and the new wings that now allow us to soar where we once could not even stand, and take us much farther than before.

When we reach a point of despairing of even life, dear ones, and absolutely no strength with which to continue even if we wanted to, God is still faithful and still in control. Scripture says His strength is perfect when our strength is gone and so it is. You get a beautiful revelation of His love and care for  you when He is all you have. You can grasp the beautiful picture of God literally carrying you in His arms because you are too weak to walk. Yes the way may be difficult and the toiling seems much too long. But hang on to the phrase above “God is faithful”, and He will make a way of escape for you.

So be encouraged today, feel renewed in your mind and spirit. If you feel you are at the end of yourself and ready to give up, take heart beloved. You may seem to be lacking whatever is needed to be delivered, but God will supply all your needs according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus. He is able to do exceeding abundantly above all we could ever ask or think.   It is my prayer that these words of inspiration will motivate you to take hold the hand of God, rise up in the inner man, and allow your hope to be renewed as you allow faith and trust to lead you on a peaceful path and give you rest. If you are looking to God and are at the end of yourself that is a most blessed place to be. For when God makes a way of escape the journey is not soon forgotten, and the blessings will far outweigh the pain.

In His Love,

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Spiritual Discernment

 Philippians 4:7-8 - And the peace of God which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Jesus Christ. 8 Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.

Dear Friends – It is my prayer that this article will somehow bring enlightenment on your spiritual journey and reacquaint you with the fact that our feelings can at times be deceiving. Our feelings are often the product of our thoughts, and without discipline our thoughts can run amok, leading our feelings down the same path. Feelings and emotions must be controlled if we are to grow in our relationship with the Lord. False emotions, like fear, can wreak havoc on our love walk, and be prohibitive in our prayer life. If you find yourself drowning in a sea of emotional turmoil and negative feelings, it’s time for a mental checkup, what’s real and what’s not? What must I attend to and what am I wallowing in?

In the above passage of scripture, we are given a list of things to think on. Beloved, we at times do have thoughts that are destructive to our self image, and we at times do have thoughts that are destructive to our relationships. But a well disciplined mind, a mind that is not allowed to race out of control and be carried away by every emotion or feeling, can be achieved. Look at the above list and ask yourself why are we instructed on what we should think about? I believe God knows how debilitating our thought life can be, how crippling our emotions can become if not kept in check. If we allow ourselves to have thoughts of self degradation or self pity we begin to isolate ourselves and perhaps even to the degree of accusing others of just not understanding rather than admit our thought life and feelings might in fact be in error. In the cloudiness of too much negative thinking, we too fall prey to a lack of understanding and lose our good judgment. Too much time spent in pondering our inner lives, the whys and wherefores, is unproductive and can lead us into depression, or deepening depression should it already be present to some degree. That is why God instructs us to think on things that have virtue and value in our lives. If we constantly tell ourselves we’re worthless and useless, before long we will start to believe it, and once we believe it, we will begin to act on it. But if we are thinking on things that are beautiful and of good report, even if we must use discipline to do so, we will by the same token feel more at peace with ourselves and with the world around us. And as you begin to take  captive every negative thought, before long this discipline will have a great reward. You will have a renewed strength and joy, a peaceful countenance to which you may not be accustomed and that in itself might require adjustment and a “settling down” if you will. You will no longer be tossed around emotionally by every careless word spoken by others. The things that used to so easily offend you won’t seem so important anymore. And above all, you’ll get a free pass off the emotional roller coaster that is so destructive to our personal lives.

Scripture says in Hebrews 12:12-16 – Wherefore lift up the hands which hang down, and the feeble knees; 13 Make straight paths for your feet, lest that which is lame be turned out of the way; but let it rather be healed. 14 Follow peace with all men, and holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord: 15 Looking diligently lest any man fail of the grace of God; lest any root of bitterness springing up trouble you, and thereby many be defiled. If you are in sorrow and weakness today,  overwhelmed by negative thoughts and feelings, take heart my friends. Through Jesus, you can turn and let it be healed, for crippling emotions will lead you off course. Follow peace in your life for where the Spirit of the Lord is there is peace. Root out any bitterness in your soul. Let the grace of God soothe the dis-ease in your life and save you from the hand of the enemy that is too strong for you. If you allow yourself to be overcome and taken down by negative feelings and emotions, others will naturally go down with you. Be the bridge of hope for your friends and family today, a bridge that leads to exceeding great joy. Believe God’s best for your life and you’ll be the best for others.

There are harsh facts in life that of course cannot be denied or ignored. There are things in life, people and situations, that need our attention, and some well-thought-out plans.  Scripture says in Proverbs 16:3&9- Commit thy works unto the Lord, and thy thoughts shall be established. 9 A man’s heart deviseth his way: but the Lord directeth his steps. God has given us freedom of choice, freedom of will, but it is up to us with His help to choose our way wisely. We are a living testimony to those around us as to how we handle stress and turmoil, what we do with the exceeding good things that come our way (will we use them for selfish purposes, squander them, or use them for God’s glory), and whether our joy is real or just a deceptive portrayal to hide the out-of-control emotions and feelings we may be dealing with on the inside.

May these words of inspiration encourage you this moment, these words of encouragement open your eyes to the abundant life that awaits you through faith in Christ Jesus. Yes, you or a family member may be seriously ill, but choose to believe the good report about this illness. Stand on God’s word that says  “by His stripes we are healed” (Isaiah 53:5). If you are  troubled and embittered, anxious or fearful, believe His word that says ”Fear not, for I am with thee, be not dismayed for I am thy God… ” (Isaiah 41:10). For all that we face in life (scripture says “there is nothing new under the sun”) is covered by God’s marvelous grace and in this grace there is nothing lacking, nothing missing. Because of God’s grace no weapon formed against us shall prosper (Isaiah 54:17). Test the waters of your emotions and feelings, dear ones. Ask God to show you what’s real and what needs to be discarded. Ask Him for an abundant supply of spiritual discernment that you might be able to shun the offenses and learn to walk in love. Your feelings should not be controlling you. Rise up and take control of them in truth.

In His Love,

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He Maketh The Storm A Calm

Dear Friends – The storms of life take many forms as most of us are well aware. There are the storms from Mother Nature, earthquakes, floods, mudslides, and yes, tornadoes as pictured above. There are storms raging in the economy and many are without jobs. There are storms in our personal lives, perhaps sickness, disease, emotional turmoil, relational collapse and family dysfunction. Yet in all these things there is but One God. And this our God is still on His throne, still in control of the world He created. We may live in a fallen world but we do not serve a fallen God.

When the psalmist David in the Bible was in much distress and turmoil he prayed a powerful prayer to the God of his salvation. He poured out his heart and every emotion to the God he knew was well able to comfort him and save him. In this prayer in  Psalms 55 he says if he had wings like a dove he would fly away and be at rest, he would wander far into the wilderness, and ultimately he would hasten his escape from the windy storm and tempest. That is an excellent description of how most of us feel in the storms of life. We just want to fly away somewhere, anywhere to get away from the perhaps overwhelming problems and distresses we are facing. Like David, we want to wander off somewhere, perhaps where no one can even find us, just hurry up and get past the pain somehow. Yes, these are human responses to “pit-dwelling” but let us not remain in the pit. Let us call on our God to save us and deliver us for we too know God is well able.

Beloved, God wants His people to dwell in peaceable habitations, in sure dwellings, and in quiet resting places (Isaiah 32:18). We do go through times of upheaval, times of trials and tribulations, times of turmoil and unrest, but God is our rock and our fortress. He alone will see us safely through. He can make a way where there is no way. He did not say we would never face times of suffering and heartache, but He did say He would never leave us or forsake us (Hebrews 13:5). Whatever storm you may be in today, know that God is right there with you. Call upon Him in your time of distress for He will not leave you comfortless.

Scripture says in Psalms 142:3a – When my spirit was overwhelmed within me, then thou knewest my path. If you are weathering a storm at this moment then take heart,  for God knows what you are going through and He knows that path you should take.  Let these words of inspiration encourage you to call on Him with confidence and wait patiently for Him to show you the path of escape.

The grace of our Lord be with you all.

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Inspirational Article/Words of Inspiration

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His Great Mercies

Daniel 9:18b – for we do not present our supplications before thee for our righteousness, but for thy great mercies.

My Dearest Friends – I recently reread the 77th Psalm. In this passage of scripture the psalmist is lamenting his seriously deteriorating mental condition. In this Psalm the writer is so troubled that his soul refuses to be comforted. He is crying out to God. He is aware that God is his only help and only hope, yet he is so troubled that he cannot speak and he is unable to sleep. His thoughts are torturing him in that he is aware of God and God’s great love for man, but in his condition he cannot find God and is reasoning within himself why God seems to have left him. In the Psalm he asks himself if God will “cast off forever”. He asks if God’s mercy is “clean gone forever”,  has God “forgotten to be gracious”, and has God in anger “shut up His tender mercies”.

Beloved, we all must confess we have been in the pit of despair, depression, emotional turmoil, mental anguish, physical sickness, the list goes on. And if we are honest we must also confess we have asked God where He is when we are hurting.  Why does God allow us to go through extended periods of time when God seems silent? Experientially, these are the hardest times for me. I know of God’s love for me.  I know God is faithful. And yet there are times I can not seem to find Him anywhere.  There are times when nothing brings comfort, and like the psalmist laments, during these times I think about the days of old, the days when I walked closely with God and felt an intimacy and closeness with Him, and wonder what has changed. In this Psalm the writer calls to remembrance his song in the night.  He speaks to his own heart and his spirit is diligently trying to understand his current condition. And we as well in that condition search our hearts, ask many questions, and the songs we so easily sing on the mountain top are seldom heard in the depths of the pit.

But our God does not want us to feel abandoned at any time in life, most especially in a pit that we cannot escape on our own, we do not understand at times how we ended up there, and our heart knows God is our only strength and our only help. In my younger days as a believer when hard times overwhelmed me my prayer was always help me escape, get me out of here, I can’t bear the pain of being in this mess. It always seemed dark and lonely and I was usually tempted to believe it was due to some failure on my part, an error in judgment, etc. Alas, I have grown in my spiritual life and rather than pray for deliverance (though at times this is the answer), I begin to ask God what is He trying to show me, what can I learn from this experience, what can I learn that can then be used to help others in life.  I now realize that all who try to live faithful in Christ Jesus are going to have times of trial and hardship. It still rains on the just and the unjust. But now when I “think of the days of old” I can only rejoice at the great work God has done in my life. I can see clearly now the “rock from whence I have been hewn”. I have to just spend some time in praise and worship for the great love He has shown me. He did not spare me the pains and losses of life, even emotional turmoil that is often accompanied by a seemingly desperate confusion. But He has walked with me and held my hand through it all. When my way was not clear, He led me in spite of my seeming lostness. When I wasn’t lovable, He loved me anyway. When my faith failed, He was faithful. When questions arose, I may not have sensed an answer, but He persisted in leading me and loving me until, on my knees and absolutely humbled beneath His mighty hand, His love would be shown, joy and strength would flood the mind and body again, refreshing the spirit, and developing a greater trust than I had ever felt possible. What time we are afraid we must trust in the Lord, and they that wait on the Lord shall never be ashamed.

Precious friends, you can find joy in the pit. These words of encouragement and words of inspiration are written for anyone feeling overwhelmed by their current circumstances, or have loved ones in a similar condition. You can know of a surety that God has not forsaken you and His mercies are still sure. It often takes persistence to hang in there, so let  your heart make a diligent search, be honest before God and He will be honest with you. Ask of Him any questions for our questions do not deter His mercies. Our pain and confusion do not change His faithfulness. His love and the gift He gave us, His precious son, Jesus, and life eternally with Him, are awaiting our acceptance. It is a very basic decision for all to make, yet life-changing for those who choose to receive His great love and share that love with others. Yes we can have joy unspeakable and full of glory in this life. Jesus died that we might have life and have it more abundantly, and He is faithful who promised.  Believe this love and let it do a work in your life that will change your heart and mind, especially if you are in the pit, for this love will show you a  more excellent way.

In His Love And God Bless Each Of You!

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Peace And Tranquility

Beloved – May God that created the Universe fill you with His Shalom Peace today. May God that hung the stars and called them all by name cause His face to shine upon you this day. May God that knows our needs before we call His name touch you with His tender mercies and loving kindness. May you feel His presence in your spirit, soul and body, and rise up from your bed of sickness, be it disease, depression, emotional turmoil, financial lack, for God is no respecter of persons or circumstances. And He is able to deliver to the uttermost those that call on His name. May the love of God be shed abroad in your hearts today on your spiritual journey for a deeper relationship with God through Jesus, His Son. Amen and Amen.

God Bless!

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