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

2 KINGS ‭8:4-5

WOMEN OF THE OLD TESTAMENT- THE SHUNAMMITE WOMAN- (2 KINGS 418-37, 2 KINGS ‭8:4-5)

8:30 PM

 

A PRAYER IN THE LIGHT OF HER STORY

“My heart rejoices in You Lord, for You have blessed me and my family abundantly and over the years You also gave me the opportunity to witness to our king, of Your Loving-kindness and Your Wondrous works in our lives through Your Prophet Elisha!  

I can vividly remember how we first met Elisha and how through him, You touched our lives in such a special way! My husband and I were old and had not conceived a child, but we loved and served You with all our hearts. When you blessed us with the promise of our child I was so surprised I had not realized I still had this deep yearning in my heart; but You knew this! Later when our child grew and suddenly became ill and died, I now understand that: only You gave me the courage and the certainty that I should find Elisha and trust that “ALL would be fine”, that You would restore my son back to life! You had a Perfect Plan and Purpose in all this! How can I be silent and keep all these blessings to myself?

“I will give You thanks with all my heart;
I sing praises to You before the [pagan] gods.
2 I will bow down [in worship] toward Your holy temple
And give thanks to Your name for Your lovingkindness and Your truth;
For You have magnified Your word together with Your name.
3 On the day I called, You answered me;
And You made me bold and confident with [renewed] strength in my life.

4 All the kings of the land will give thanks and praise You, O Lord,When they have heard o

the promises of Your mouth [which were fulfilled].
5 Yes, they will sing of the ways of the Lord [joyfully celebrating His wonderful acts],
For great is the glory and majesty of the Lord.
6 Though the Lord is exalted, He regards the lowly [and invites them into His fellowship];
But the proud and haughty He knows from a distance.

7 Though I walk in the midst of trouble, You will revive me; You will stretch out Your hand against the wrath of my enemies, And Your right hand will save me.
8 The Lord will accomplish that which concerns me; Your [unwavering] lovingkindness, O Lord, endures forever—Do not abandon the works of Your own hands.”  (Psalm 138)

Amen!


Mari Salinas

______________________________________________

Every Friday we meet for prayer and would love to have you join us.  We meet at 9:00am EST. over at Women in the Word Bulletin Board on our Facebook



 


character

SoulSearching Sunday~All Is Well

12:00 AM

Sunday, December 16, 2018


Week Fifty...

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 Hebrews 7 - 1 Peter 5...

 1. When have you struggled with perfectionism? Allow the power of Christ’s perfect and sufficient sacrifice to release you from the tyranny of “perfection.” List up a praise of thanksgiving for His holiness.

 Just think how much more the blood of Christ will purify our hearts from deeds that lead to death so that we can worship the living God. For by the power of the eternal Spirit, Christ offered Himself to God as a perfect sacrifice for our sins. (Hebrews 9:14)

 2. Besides Jesus, what biblical character do you must admire? What about that person’s faith walk encourages you? How can you use that person as a model for your own journey?

 Do not throw away this confident trust in the LORD, no matter what happens. Remember the great reward it brings you! Patient endurance is what you need now, so you will continue to do God’s will. Then you will receive all that He has promised. (Hebrews 10:35-36)

 3. How does you approach to life reflect the truth that Christ is with you, within you, behind you, before you, beside you, beneath you, and above you? Ask Him for courage and protection as you serve wherever He leads you.

 And take courage, for the coming of the LORD is near. (James 5:8)





courage

Don’t You Care? {Mark 4:1-5:43}

12:00 AM


After a day spent in a boat teaching in the Sea of Galilee, Jesus said to His disciples, “Let us go over to the other side.” (vs. 4:35).  Once they started moving, a weary Lord curled up on a cushion at the back of the boat and fell fast asleep. Soon after a fierce storm arose and began violently tossing the boat, filling it with water. Jesus was awakened to shouts of panic and fear with the disciples crying out,”Teacher, do You not care that we are perishing.” (vs. 4:38)

Can you relate? Have you ever found yourself facing down a storm and crying out to the Lord; wondering why He’s letting you be tossed about and if He even cares? The truth is of course, He does care. And although we may feel frightened, helpless and alone, in actuality Jesus is right there in complete control; ready, willing, and able to see us safely to the other side. All He asks of us is that we trust in Him and His love for us.

Many people mistakenly believe that the life of a Christian is one filled with perpetual calm waters and beautiful horizons. But nowhere in the Bible does God promise an easy life. In fact throughout the Scriptures we are warned of quite the opposite. We read story after story of those who faced trials and tribulations. Even the disciples, with the Savior Himself riding in their boat, didn’t escape the whirlwind.  

Each storm and the way we respond to it reveals the depth of our faith in God. At the first sign of trouble do we fall to our knees in hopelessness and despair, or do we fall to our knees in prayer to the Lord? Do we cry out to Him in panic or do we listen for His calming voice? Having the kind of faith which produces a peace no storm can shake isn’t easy. Even the disciples, with all that they had witnessed Jesus say and do, gave into fear and doubt with each crashing wave. 

“God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear” (Ps. 46:1-2) It is only by placing our trust and faith in Jesus that can we experience the peace of knowing no matter what comes our way,  just as He rescued the disciples, the Lord will rescue us. The apostle Paul knew this well. He found the secret to having peace in every situation, strength to weather any storm, and courage to endure any persecution. He placed His hope and faith in Jesus alone saying, “I can do all things through Him who strengthens me.” (Phil. 4:13) 

“Adversity has a way of pushing us beyond ourselves where we find God waiting to gather us in His arms. Held under the canopy of God’s presence we discover a sense of security and hope that we thought had evaded us.”....Dr. Charles Stanley

More often it’s not the happy times when we feel closest to God, but rather the darkest. The storms in our lives have a way of showing us just how very weak we are and how much we need the saving grace of Jesus. A grace that in His love, He offers without hesitation. Even when the disciples demonstrated a lack of faith, Jesus didn’t waste a moment in quieting the sea; and He promises to do the same for us. So the next time you find yourself battling the waves and weathering the storm, let Jesus calm you as He calmed the waters. Listen for His voice whispering in your ear, “Hush, be still” “Why are you afraid? Do you still have no faith?” (vs. 4:39-40)

I hope you will join me today in sending prayers out to those affected by Hurricane Florence. May God send His love, comfort, and healing to those who are grieving, who are injured, and who have lost their homes and livelihoods. May He also keep safe those who are responding to calls for rescue and aid, and give wisdom to those in charge of the cleanup and meeting the needs of the people....Amen

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!

Acts

Weathering The Storm {Acts 27}

11:30 PM



By Lisa Moore

When we last left Paul, he was appealing to have his case heard in Rome before Caesar.  Not in an attempt to save his life, but to fulfill the will of the Lord who told him in Acts 22:11, "Take courage; for as you have solemnly witnessed to My cause at Jerusalem, so you must witness at Rome also."  This request would indeed get Paul to Rome, but the passage there would thrust him straight into a raging storm so full of fury, it would endanger his life and all of those with him. 

Journeying from Caesarea to Rome, Paul along with other political prisoners, set sail for the regions along the coast of Asia under the charge of a centurion named Julius.  After spending a considerable amount of time in a place called Fair Haven, the Alexandrian ship they were traveling on once more put out to sea; against the advice of Paul.  He warned the crew about sailing so late in the season.  (The fast, the Day of Atonement, was over so the time of year would have been late October to November).  Whether he was told by the Spirit or relying on his own experience, Paul knew of the danger ahead and told the crew, "Men, I perceive that the voyage will certainly be with damage and great loss, not only of the cargo and the ship, but also of our lives." (v. 10)  But the men were unpersuaded, and instead relied on their own council and knowledge of the sea.  A prideful mistake that set their course straight into the path of a storm so dangerous, it almost cost them everything. 

Have you ever faced a storm in your life where all hope was lost?  Were you afraid?  Did you get so filled with despair that rescue seemed impossible?  As believers in Christ we are never called to go it alone.  "Do not tremble or be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go." (Josh 1:9)  When we walk in faith and obedience to God, we have nothing to fear.  It is when we step outside of His will that the trouble begins.  A lesson I myself have had to learn more than once.  And a lesson the men sailing with Paul were about to learn.  Their ship was violently thrown off course.  They faced cold, hunger, and a despair so strong that Luke lamented, "...all hope of our being saved was gradually abandoned." (v. 20)

The crew of the ship knew what the weather was like.  They heard Paul's warning, yet sailed anyway.  Boy can I relate!  Too many times when my own weather got rough instead of turning first to God and heeding His council, I thought I knew better and sailed head first into the storm.  Then wondered why instead of calming, the storm worsened.  How much heartache could I have saved myself if only I had anchored myself to the Lord.  How much pain could I have avoided if I had waited on Him patiently, obeyed Him faithfully, and trusted Him completely.  Paul trusted in the Lord.  He didn't despair or get discouraged.  He knew that especially in adversity God would never desert him.  And God rewarded Paul's faith by sending an angel to  encourage him to be brave, and who promised the safety of all the lives onboard.  Paul stood strong in that promise never wavering, and he encouraged the others to do the same, "Keep up your courage, men, for I believe God that it will turn out exactly as I have been told." (v. 25) And God did keep His promise.  Every one of the 276 men on board "were brought safely to land." (v. 44) 

By first seeking God and trusting in His perfect will, we can weather any storm.  His Word is a mighty ship with a foundation so strong, no roaring wind can blow off course.  And when we walk in complete obedience to Him, like Paul we too can trust in God's promise to bring us through the storm and safely to the shore.

Acts

Be Brave {Acts 26}

11:30 PM


By Mari Sandoval
Today we continue as Paul is on trial and standing before King Agrippa. I did a bit of research and found out that he was standing before the man whose great-grandfather had tried to kill Jesus as a baby; his grandfather had John the Baptist beheaded; and his father had martyred the first apostle, James! (Bibleorg.com) This was a man whose family history made him unlikely to receive Paul the way he did!  Wow, only our God can do this! “Then Agrippa said to Paul, “You are [now] permitted to speak on your own behalf.” At that, Paul stretched out his hand [as an orator] and made his defense [as follows]:
2 “I consider myself fortunate, King Agrippa, since it is before you that I am to make my defense today regarding all the charges brought against me by the Jews, 3 especially because you are an expert [fully knowledgeable, experienced and unusually conversant] in all the Jewish customs and controversial issues; therefore, I beg you to listen to me patiently.” (26:1-3)
Paul is happy to speak before Agrippa, because he is pleased to have the evidence of his case examined closely by the highest officials, but mainly because he is pleased to preach the gospel to kings!  This was part of what the Lord promised Paul at his conversion, through Ananias: “Go, for this man is a [deliberately] chosen instrument of Mine, to bear My name before the Gentiles and kings and the sons of Israel; 16 for I will make clear to him how much he must suffer and endure for My name’s sake.” (9:15-16)

Paul describes to Agrippa his life before his conversion (26:4-11); part of his conversion (Vs.12-20), and what the Lord Jesus had said to him regarding his ministry: “I have appeared to you for this purpose, to appoint you [to serve] as a minister and as a witness [to testify, with authority,] not only to the things which you have seen, but also to the things in which I will appear to you, 17 [choosing you for Myself and] rescuing you from the Jewish people and from the Gentiles, to whom I am sending you, 18 to open their [spiritual] eyes so that they may turn from darkness to light and from the power of Satan to God, that they may receive forgiveness and release from their sins and an inheritance among those who have been sanctified (set apart, made holy) by faith in Me.’ (26:16-18)

Imagine, Paul with those heavy chains that would inflict him such pain, instead of pleading for understanding or sympathy, he was actually sharing his testimony and the gospel so that these influential people could open their hearts and repent to be saved! 



But what was the answer of these men?

- Festus: “Paul, you are out of your mind! Your great education is turning you toward madness.” (26:24) When we preach the gospel, for sure some people will think we are crazy. Paul appointed this to the Corinthians: “… the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing (1 Corinth. 1:18)

-Agrippa: “In a short time [and with so little effort] you [almost] persuade me to become a Christian. (26:28) Why was Agrippa only almost persuaded? Probably because he may have realized that becoming a Christian would mean losing his status (the praise of men), his friends and by looking at Paul’s trials, he was unwilling to make such sacrifice!

So, what is to become a Christian? Acts 26:18 describes five things that happened to Paul when he became a Christian. A Christian has their eyes opened. A Christian has turned from darkness to light. A Christian has turned from the power of Satan to God. A Christian has received forgiveness of sins. And a Christian has an inheritance among those set apart to God. (Blueletterbible.org)

Paul showed that even though he was in chains, he had more freedom in Jesus than any of the royal audience had!

"O that men were wise enough to see that suffering for Christ is honour, that loss for truth is gain, that the truest dignity rests in wearing the chain upon the arm rather than endure the chain upon the soul." (Spurgeon)

Finally, Agrippa admits Paul's innocence, yet forwards him to Caesar (26:30-32)

As I’ve reflected on Paul’s conversion and ministry He would not rely on his own strength, nor focus on his circumstances, but the Holy Spirit continually reminded Paul of each and every one of God’s promises for his calling (9:15-16). His life had no other purpose but to live for God and His Purpose (20:21). No wonder Paul seemed to always be courageous in all his trials!  Here are some of these promises we’ve read throughout this week, that I believe kept Paul going with zeal and joy:

- ‘Go, I will send you far away to the Gentiles.’ (22:21)
-“Be brave; for as you have solemnly and faithfully witnessed about Me at Jerusalem, so you must also testify at Rome.” (23:11)

How about you my sister? Which promises from our Father have you treasured in your heart, which keep you walking in faith and for His Purpose?

May through His Holy Spirit we may become brave and courageous to testify what Jesus has done in our lives!

Blessings my sisters!!