courage

Precious In The Sight Of The Lord - Psalm 116

10:00 AM


Psalm 116, 2 Corinthians 4:13-15

One of the most well known passages in the Bible is Psalm 23. Often read at funerals, it tells of the lovingkindness, mercy, and goodness of the Lord, bringing comfort to those who are left behind. But just as comforting is Psalm 116. For it too speaks of the lovingkindness, mercy and goodness of God. And expresses just how valuable His children are. Not only in life, but especially in death. For as much as we love the Lord, He loves us even more. And all who belong to Him are so very precious in His sight. 


There is no other pain like the loss of a loved one. It cuts deep, leaving behind a gaping hole of sorrow and emptiness. Yet as much as it hurts to lose the ones we love, we are grateful for the glory awaiting those who love the Lord. Death is just as much a double edged sword for God. Because as our Heavenly Father He grieves at our pain and mourning. Yet at the same time He rejoices greatly at His precious child coming home. 


Once we were like the Psalmist. Enemies of God and eternally separated from Him, “The cords of death encompassed me and the terror of Sheol came upon me. I found distress and sorrow.” But because of God’s righteous compassion, also like the Psalmist, through the name of Lord we have rescue, restoration, and life. Our souls can rest knowing that Jesus forever conquered the sting of death. And He lovingly offers the cup of salvation to all who will drink. 


As believers we know that death is not end. But rather the beginning of a glorious eternal life spent in the presence of God. It’s a natural part of the cycle of life and the wonderful opportunity to be reunited with God. One day, the Lord will call us home. And never again will our eyes shed a tear. Nor will our feet ever stumble. With our new glorified bodies, we will dwell in the house of the Lord. And together with God we will reign forever in perfect love and peace. 


Pause and Reflect -

How can I live my life in a way that honors God and reflects my faithfulness to Him? In what ways can I trust God's plan for my life, including my eventual death? How can I support and encourage others who may be facing death or grieving the loss of a loved one?


Let’s pray together - 

Our dearest Father heaven above, Ruler and Creator of all things, hallowed be Thy name. Father we thank You for the promise of eternal life through faith in Jesus Christ. And in the comfort of knowing that our death is precious in your sight. Lord help us to live our lives in a way that is faithful and pleasing to You, so that we may be counted among your faithful servants. Give us strength and courage to face death with hope and confidence knowing that it is not the end, but rather a transition to a new and glorious life with You. Father comfort those who are grieving. May they find hope and peace in Your promises, and may they feel Your loving presence surrounding them in their time of sorrow. In Jesus precious name we pray, Amen.


Don't' forget to head over to our Facebook group at, https://www.facebook.com/groups/womenintheword2 to join in on the discussion. Also check out our public Facebook page at, https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100083156569388 and give us a like!


I can’t wait to hear your thoughts, and I pray your day overflows with love and blessings.


💖 Lisa

Endurance

The Polish of Perseverance {James 1}

12:30 AM


Monday, May 27  

James 1 

The Petoskey is the state stone of Michigan. As a child I would comb the beaches of many lakes for the perfect piece of this fossilized coral. Dull and pitted in its natural state, with repeated sanding and rinsing, the scratches and rough edges would wear away. And once the polishing cream was rubbed in, that stone was a treasure to behold; smooth to the touch with a shine like glass. 


An Indian guru once said, “The stones of a river start out rough, but with the current continually bumping and polishing them, they end up being beautiful.” I couldn’t think of a more perfect description of the Christian life. Each of us are as river stones. Rough and jagged around the edges, tossed and turned in the raging current of life. And although no one looks forward to the grating friction brought on by tribulations, James tells us when trouble does come our way we are to, “Consider it all joy, my brethren, when you encounter various trials.” (vs. 2) 

Why is there joy in trials? Because as James tells us, “the testing of your faith produces  perseverance”. (vs. 3) And what is perseverance? A “steady persistence in a course of action, a purpose, a state, etc., especially in spite of difficulties, obstacles, or discouragement.” (dictionary.com) Spiritual perseverance means never giving up no matter how hard our circumstance may be. It means trusting that God is using our situation not only to grow our faith, but to work all things together for our good. (Rom. 8:28) And there is great joy to be found in knowing that our Father does so in love, with the purpose of making us “perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.” (vs. 4) 

“The soul is placed in the body like a rough diamond, and must be polished, or the luster of it will never appear.”...Daniel Defoe

No one is exempt from the trials of life. And although painful, James tells there is much to be gained from the perseverance of weathering the storm. For just like a Roman philosopher once said, “A gem cannot be polished without friction, nor a man perfected without trials.” In 1 Peter 2:4, Jesus is called a, “living stone which has been rejected by men, but is choice and precious in the sight of God.” We too are choice and precious stones to God. He lovingly refines and purifies us until we are smoothed by faith and polished by perseverance. There is no one who endured or persevered more than Christ. And as His followers it is our goal to each day become more like Him and to follow His example. Doing so not only deepens our relationship with God, to those who endure to the end James promises a great reward. “Blessed is a man who perseveres under trial; for once he has been approved, he will receive the crown of life which the Lord has promised to those who love Him”. (vs. 12) And as for me, knowing that I will be spending eternity in paradise with the Lord, is worth any trial or tribulation,  no matter how hard! 

For more encouragement, follow the link! http://t2womenintheword.blogspot.com/2017/11/walking-in-diligent-perseverance-2.html


earthly possessions

SoulSearching Sunday~Value

12:00 AM

Sunday, December 2, 2018


Week Forty-eight...

Welcome!  We pray that you have all had a precious time worshipping the Lord this morning!  Below you will find some thought provoking questions that will provide you a starting point to your journal writing to complete this week.  We hope that you will find this time soul satisfying!

Our reading this week was Philippians 3 - 1 Timothy 3...

 1. Think back to the last bag of garbage you sent off to the dump. How does your description compare with the way you look at your earthly possessions and accomplishments? Worship Christ for His supreme worth, and ask Him to help you remember where your value really lies.

 Yes, everything else is worthless when compared to the priceless gain of knowing Christ Jesus my LORD. I have discarded everything else, counting it all garbage, so that I may have Christ and become one with Him. (Philippians 3:8)

 2. Finish this statement, “Because God is my friend, I have…” Rejoice in the gift of His friendship today. Spend time with Him. Talk to Him. Share with Him your gratitude for all He has done for you.

 You were His enemies, separated from Him by your evil thoughts and actions, yet now He has brought you back as His friends. (Colossians 1:21-22)

 3. What will it be like to worship Jesus in person? How can you use your worship time as a dress rehearsal for heaven?

 And you will be among those praising Him on that day, for you believed what we testified about Him. (2 Thessalonians 1:10)



burden

SoulSearching Sunday~Adopted by God

12:00 AM

Sunday, November 25, 2018


Week Forty-seven...

Welcome!  We pray that you have all had a precious time worshipping the Lord this morning!  Below you will find some thought provoking questions that will provide you a starting point to your journal writing to complete this week.  We hope that you will find this time soul satisfying!

Our reading this week was Galatians 1 - Philippians 2...

 1. Reflect on the following statement: Shared joy is doubled joy; shared sorrow is halved-sorrow. When have you found this to be true? Thank God for the strength He provides, and ask Him to show you where you can help carry someone’s burden today.

 Share each other’s troubles and problems, and in this way obey the law of Christ. (Galatians 6:2)

 2. Read Ephesians 1 - 2 again. List all the privileges you have as a child of God that you find in these two passages. How does that make you feel? Thank your Father for what He has given to you.

 (no verses this time)

 3. When do you usually pray? What would it mean to live your whole life as a prayer to God? Ask Him to teach you to be spiritually alert and awakened to His will at all times.

 Pray at all times and on every occasion in the power of the Holy Spirit. Stay alert and be persistent in your prayers for all Christians everywhere. (Ephesians 6:18)




Endurance

SoulSearching Sunday~All You Need Is Love

12:00 AM

Sunday, November 18, 2018


Week Forty-six...

Welcome!  We pray that you have all had a precious time worshipping the Lord this morning!  Below you will find some thought provoking questions that will provide you a starting point to your journal writing to complete this week.  We hope that you will find this time soul satisfying!

Our reading this week was 1 Corinthians 7 - 2 Corinthians 13...

 1. Think carefully about your regular activities, your thoughts and dreams, your use of time and energy and money. What do these “bits of evidence” suggest about the prize you are seeking in life? Commit your best efforts toward pursuing Christ as your act of worship.

 Remember that in a race everyone runs, but only one person gets the prize. You also must run in such a way that you will win. All athletes practice strict self-control. They do it to win a prize that will fade away, but we do it for an eternal prize. (1 Corinthians 9:24-25)

 2. It’s an old exercise, but a good one. Read 1 Corinthians 13 and substitute your name every place you see the word “love.” Is this accurate? Where do you fall short? How can living like this be a lifestyle of worship?

 Love never gives up, never loses faith, is always hopeful, and endures through every circumstance. Love will last forever. (1 Corinthians 13:7-8)

 3. What do you consider to be your “thorn in the flesh”? Thank God for His presence and power in your life regardless of whether He removes the thorn or provides you with the strength to endure.

 I have received wonderful revelations from God. But to keep me from getting puffed up, I was given a thorn in my flesh, a messenger from Satan to torment me and keep me from getting proud. Three different times I begged the LORD to take it away. Each time He said, “My gracious favor is all you need. My power works best in your weakness.” (2 Corinthians 12:7-9)


God's Calling

There Must Be Some Mistake {Jeremiah 1:1-4:31}

12:00 AM


Jeremiah, often called the weeping prophet, and author of the books of Jeremiah and Lamentations, was the son of Hilkiah, a Levitical priest from the small village of Anathoth in the land of Benjamin. He was a prophet who served God during the rule of kings, Josiah, Jehoahaz, Jehoiakim, Jehoiachin and Zedekiah. The Lord called Jeremiah to deliver prophecies to the unrepentant people of Judah. He warned them of their soon to be bondage by the Babylonians, and begged them to repent of their sins and turn back to God. 

Although he faithfully served God for over forty years, when a youthful Jeremiah first heard God’s voice he did as many of us do; he questioned God. After all, being so young there was no way he could go out and be the voice of the Lord! He cried out, “Alas, Lord God! Behold, I do not know how to speak.” (vs. 1:6) He thought, “There must be some mistake. I can’t do this.” But there was no mistake. God knew exactly what He was doing. For in His perfect plan, He created Jeremiah just for this time and this purpose. 

“Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, and before you were born I consecrated you.” (vs. 1:5) God knew the purpose He had for Jeremiah because He knew Jeremiah, and us, even before the first beat of our hearts. Think of that! And not only did God fearfully and wonderfully create us (Ps. 139:14), He knows us by name,(John 10:3), how long we will live, (Ps. 139:16), and all we were created to be. (Eph. 2:10) And before we are born, He sets us apart for the purpose that is uniquely ours. 

Whatever that purpose may be, we can trust that God never intends for us to accomplish it alone, nor in our own strength. When Jeremiah faced the daunting challenge ahead, God reassured him saying, “Do not be afraid of them, For I am with you to deliver you, declares the Lord.” (vs. 1:8) “They will fight against you, but they will not overcome you, for I am with you to deliver you.” (vs. 1:19) Although the task God gives may not be an easy or enjoyable one, (Jeremiah himself faced hatred and persecution), God does promise that when we walk in obedience, He will never leave or forsake us, (Heb. 13:5) will be our refuge and strength, (Ps.46:1), and will make all things possible. (Matt. 19:26).

“Each time God calls a servant into action, He essentially says, ‘You can be strong and courageous because I am with you. Victory isn’t about your abilities, your strength, your skill, your armor, your gifts, or your dedication; it has to do with My presence. You can be strong because I will be strong in you.’” (Dr. Charles Stanley)

No matter the calling, whether it be as simple as helping a friend in need, or as hard as delivering a message of doom to a nation, the next time you hear God’s voice, don’t ask, “Who me? There must be some mistake!” Remember you were created to be the perfect person for the job, and if God sees you to it, He’ll see you through it. So, as the Lord said to Jeremiah, “Gird up your loins and arise!” (vs. 1:17) There is work to be done!


2 Chronicles

Scripture Saturday ~ Humble Ourselves

12:00 AM

Saturday, March 31, 2018


Welcome to Scripture Saturday!

This coming week's memory verse is 2 Chronicles 7:14...

 "Then if my people who are called by My name will humble themselves and pray and seek My face and turn from their wicked ways, I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sins and heal their land." (NLT)

Happy Easter!  Have a blessed and precious day and week everyone!

2 Kings

Scripture Saturday ~ God's Army

12:00 AM

Saturday, March 24, 2018


Welcome to Scripture Saturday!

This coming week's memory verse is 2 Kings 6:16...

 “Don’t be afraid!” Elisha told him. “For there are more on our side than on theirs!” (NLT)

 Have a blessed and precious day and week everyone!

2 Samuel

To Him Goes The Glory {2 Samuel 20:1-24:25}

12:00 AM


In these final chapters of 2 Samuel, David’s reign as the King of Israel is nearing its end. David was a shepherd, a warrior, a hero, a king, a psalmist, and a sinner. And through it all he never lost his faith or his desire to live for the Lord. Now in his final years, he reflects on all that God has done for him and writes a song of thankfulness and love for the Lord. "I call upon the Lord who is worthy to be praised." (v. 22:4)
While researching these chapters I ran across a website called sermon notebook which teaches that in his song, David sings of a God who saves, sustains, strengthens, and secures. How amazing is that?! And as I thought about David and his relationship with the Lord, I took a look at these attributes of God that He manifests in the lives of all of believers.
God Saves: Along with His saving grace available through His Son Jesus Christ, the Lord also saves us from our enemies. “He delivered me from my enemy, from those who hated me, for they were too strong for me.” (v. 22:18) Whether they be people, addictions, disease, or Satan himself, we all have enemies. Each day is filled with personal battles. But we never need face them alone. When we put our faith and trust in God, even the mightiest of foe cannot stand against His power. We can confidently cast all of our anxieties on the Lord because He cares for us and is committed to helping us win every war. (1 Peter 5:7)
God Sustains: Life is hard. We all endure periods of temptation, trials, and testing. David was no exception. He faced dark times and felt the same feelings of hopelessness that we too may feel. But David knew the secret of overcoming any obstacle was by trusting not in his own strength but in God’s. “For you are a lamp, O Lord; and the Lord illuminates my darkness” (v. 22:29) Although we may feel overwhelmed and lost, we can cry out to Him to shine His brilliant light leading us to the comfort of His loving arms. For He promises in Psalm 55:22, “Cast your burdens upon the Lord, and He will sustain you; He will never allow the righteous to be shaken.” 
God Strengthens: David knew exactly who was the source of his strength; God. “God is my strong fortress; and He sets the blameless in His way. He makes my feet like hinds feet, and sets me on high places.” (vs. 22:33-34) “Like a hind (female deer)with strong legs and swift feet that go to high places on the mountains, so was David strengthened by God’s enabling grace.” (Moody Bible Commentary) What a beautiful picture of our God who is strong when we are weak. Who when we feel like we can’t take one more step, takes our burdens upon Himself and promises that when we trust in Him we, “will run and not get tired, they will walk and not become weary.” (Is. 40:31) When we humble ourselves to the Lord and count on Him instead of ourselves, we learn that that sometimes the strongest thing we can do is to ask for help.
God Secures: In an increasingly unsafe world, there is nothing more precious than the feeling of security. And unshakable security can only be found in the Lord. He is our Deliverer, Rescuer, and Comforter. “He went from on high, He took me; He drew me out of many waters.” (v. 22:17) David knew that because he placed his faith in the Lord, God secured not only his past, present, but also his future. And He promises the same for us. When we receive Christ as our Savior, we entered into a secured and forever relationship with Him. “You were sealed in Him with the Holy Spirit of promise.” (Eph. 1:13) “The Holy Spirit is not with us temporarily. He lives within us and never leaves us. This is the reason we can be sure we have eternal security. Neither sin nor anything else can cause the Lord to forsake us because His Spirit has sealed us in Him forever guaranteeing our relationship with Him for all eternity.” (Dr. Charles Stanley) 
From the time David was a simple shepherd boy to his reigning as King of Israel, God abundantly blessed, loved, and protected him. No wonder he sang his heartfelt song to the Lord. And even though he often faltered, he always wanted to know and please God. We can learn much from the life of the man after God’s heart (Acts 13:22).  And most of all, we can trust that the same love and promises He gave to His beloved David, He freely gives to us; His beloved children. And to Him alone goes the glory! 

courage

Scripture Saturday~Strength and Courage

12:00 AM

Saturday, February 17, 2018


Welcome to Scripture Saturday!



This coming week's memory verse is Joshua 1:9...

 I command you - be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid or discouraged. For the LORD your God is with you wherever you go.
Have a blessed and precious day and week everyone!

Conformity

Friends With The World {James 4}

12:00 AM

Friends With The World  {James 4}


The Bible tells us that the Christian walk is made up of two paths. Daily we must make the choice of either following the path of godly living which leads to life, or the path of the world which leads to death. For as James reminds us, we can’t walk with God and hold hands with the devil.

After Stephen was martyred in Jerusalem, the Jewish Christians were persecuted, driven from the city, and scattered throughout the land. They were unwelcome in their new communities, and faced great pressure to fit in with those around them. They felt the pull of drifting back into their old ways; of trying to walk with one foot on the worldly path and the other on the path of God. But the ways of God and the ways of the world are so completely opposite that it’s impossible to love one without hating the other. And as James warns, “friendship with the world, is hostility toward God.” (v. 4)

Today’s society encourages us to live for our individual glory. It tells us that it’s not wrong to pursue a life dedicated to pleasing the lust of the flesh. A mentality of, “if it feels good, do it” is not only encouraged, but celebrated. We are fed lies that say we are god in our lives and it is us who deserves worship. And if we don’t agree with the sinful and destructive ways of the world, we are regarded as bigots and close minded. We are laughed at, ridiculed, and in some parts of the world even tortured and killed. It’s not a good feeling to be constantly told that our beliefs are wrong. To be ostracized from those around us. Standing in faith can be hard, especially when faced with persecution, or when the people you love and care about turn away from you. The pain is real, and so it’s easy to see why many Christians fall into the trap of compromise and spiritual adultery. But as James tell us in verse 4, “Whoever wishes to be a friend of the world makes himself an enemy of God.”  

Did this mean James was instructing believers to live in a cocoon, shutting ourselves away from the world? Of course not. James is saying that we are to stand strong in our faith, while loving and praying for those who don’t know Christ as their Savior. But how do we stand strong against the pressure from the world? “Submit therefore to God. Resist the devil and he will resist you.” (vs. 7) The enemy loves nothing more than to see God’s people weak both in mind and spirit. He delights at our failings. But we can withstand whatever he throws our way by submitting ourselves to the Lord. 

Submitting means trusting God’s wisdom and will, receiving His power and love, and obeying all that He commands. Through every battle and temptation, we are never fighting alone. “Draw near to God and He will draw near to you.” (vs. 8) God is always there with open arms, waiting to be invited into every part of our lives. By spending time with Him worshiping, talking, and praying, we establish a closeness with Him, an unbreakable bond. He promises to be faithful in shielding us from the schemes of Satan and in strengthening us against the temptations of an ungodly world. For as promised in 2 Thess. 3:3, “The Lord is faithful, and He will strengthen and protect you from the evil one.”



Do not let your heart envy sinners, but live in the fear of the Lord always”, Prov. 23:17. Christian or not, at times every one us feels the sting of jealousy, and the pull of earthly living. But we can’t be in love with the Lord, and in love with the world. So the question we face is this; whom will we serve? Will we serve the world and our lust filled desires, or will we serve God and lead lives designed to please Him? The Lord knows the trials we face each day living in a fallen world. He knows the temptation and pressure upon us to conform. But if we come to Him in humility and lay our weakness at His feet, we have His assurance He will lift us up. (v. 10) So I ask again, who will you serve?