We act as though we were alone in this inner sanctuary, but on the contrary, God is here more intimately than we are ourselves. We fear to have lost God when we are no longer conscious of Him. But in truth, it is our own impatience under trial; it is the restlessness of our hyper-sensitive and self-centered nature that hides Him from our minds.
Out of the overflow of the heart the mouth speaks (Matthew 12:34).
There is no escaping sorrows and sufferings, we must bear them with patience.
In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world (John 16:33).
The more the flesh is worn away by affliction, so much the more is the spirit strengthened by inward grace. The greater the height we reach in the spiritual life, the heavier we find our crosses. Everything is founded on the Cross and everything depends on our taking up the cross handed to us. Our present difficulties are an essential part of the process of becoming the people God wants us to be. Whatever we are like today – with grace, we will be better tomorrow.
Believe in Him steadfastly, and everything that challenges you will strengthen you.
Trust in Him and His presence with you, and trials will make you stronger.
The greatest discovery of any generation is that a human can alter his life by altering his attitude (William James). Anybody can become angry – that is easy. But to be angry with the right person and to the right degree and at the right time and for the right purpose and in the right way – that is not within everybody’s power and is not easy (Aristotle). You will not be punished for your anger; you will be punished by your anger (Buddha). It seems the only time I open my mouth is to change feet (Anonymous).
Many people have an opinion on anger and its effects on our psyche. Jesus Himself was angry at times (Mark 3:5), the same as our Father was (Hebrews 3:11). God is not against anger, since it has its purpose. But there is a righteous anger, and a wrong anger.
Be angry and do not sin (Psalm 4:4). Do not let the sun go down on your anger, and so give the devil an opportunity (Ephesians 4:26-27). Most of the time anger is cruel (Proverbs 27:4), and so the wise man turns from anger (Proverbs 29:8).
My life is in the hands of any fool who makes me lose my temper (Joseph Hunter). Anger, if not restrained, is frequently more hurtful to us than the injury that provokes it (Seneca). It is not events but our opinions about those events that cause us suffering (Epictetus). The greatest weapon against anger and stress is our ability to choose one thought over another (William James).
So everyone must be quick to hear, slow to speak, and even slower to anger, for man’s anger does not accomplish God’s righteousness (James 1:19-20). [Always remember Jonah’s observation] I knew that You are a merciful and companionate God, slow to become angry, and rich in faithful love (Jonah 4:2). Let us be imitators of God our Father (Ephesians 5:1).
When we feel anger brewing, let us calm ourselves and pray: What would Jesus do here?
There are no hopeless situations, only people who have grown hopeless about them. People inspire others when they see invisible bridges at the end of dead-end streets.A lot of people have gone further than they thought they could because someone else thought they could.
Let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds (Hebrews 10:24). Encourage one another daily as long as it is called Today, so that none of you may be hardened by sin’s deceitfulness (Hebrews 3:13). Encourage one another and build each other up (1 Thessalonians 5:11); encourage the timid, help the weak, be patient with everyone (1 Thessalonians 5:14). Let us encourage one another – and all the more as you see the Day approaching (Hebrews 10:25).
A sincere compliment is one of the most effective teaching and motivational methods in existence. Reach down and lift others up; it’s the best exercise you can get.
If you have any encouragement from being united with Christ, if any comfort from His love, if any fellowship with the Spirit, if any tenderness and compassion, then make [His] joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and purpose (Philippians 2:1-2).
May our Lord Jesus Christ Himself and God our Father, who loved us and by His grace gave us eternal encouragement and good hope, encourage your hearts and strengthen you in every good deed and word (2 Thessalonians 2:16-17).
Encouragement is the easiest way to display God’s love.
Faith is the only way to approach God. Love is the only way to be sure to obey God. Reverence and delight are the only ways to live close to God.
I delight myself in my Lord, and He gives me the desires of my heart (Psalm 37:4). My countenance radiates the joy of the Lord, for a happy heart makes the face cheerful (Proverbs 15:13). The light of my eyes even rejoices the hearts of others (Proverbs 15:30), and the cheerful heart has a continual feast (Proverbs 15:15).
Joy is an essential element to the spirit life. Whatever we may think or say about God, when we are not joyful, our thoughts and words cannot bear fruit. God whispers to us in our pleasures.
Father, my mouth shall praise You with joyful lips (Psalm 63:5). I speak out in psalms and hymns and make melody with all my heart to You, always giving thanks to You for everything in the name of my Lord Jesus (Ephesians 5:19-20). My happy heart is good medicine and my cheerful mind works healing (Proverbs 17:22).
Everybody needs beauty as well as bread; places to play in as well as pray in, where nature may heal and cheer and give strength to body and soul. Our Father refreshes us on the journey with some pleasant inns, but will not encourage us to mistake them for home.
The Lord be exalted! For the Lord God delights in the well-being (health and happiness) of His servants (Psalm 35:27). The Lord delights in His people (Psalm 149:4). Exalt the Lord, O my soul! I rejoice in You always, Father God. And again I say it, I will rejoice (Philippians 4:4). I delight myself in You, O Lord my God (Philippians 3:1). Happy am I because God is my Lord [my God and my Father] (Psalm 144:15). My spirit rejoices in God my Savior (Luke 1:47).
God loves a cheerful giver (2 Corinthians 9:7).
Delight in the wonderful creation that God has made for us!
Paul and Barnabas appointed elders for them in each church and, with prayer and fasting, committed them to the Lord, in whom they had put their trust (Acts 14:23).
Responsibility (or duty) is the other side of privilege. “Commit your way to the Lord” – that is our responsibility. “Trust also in Him” – that is our happy privilege. Responsibility = our response to God’s ability; to respond to the opportunities God has placed in front of us.
[God] has committed to us the message of reconciliation (Acts 14:23). So then, those who suffer according to God’s will should commit themselves to their faithful Creator and continue to do good (1 Peter 4:19).
We must often raise the heart to God, for He will purify it, enlighten it, and direct it. “If it is to be, it is up to me” – Actually, it is up to me to be the clay in the Potter’s hands.
Each particular being in its individuality – its concrete nature and entity, with all its own characteristics and qualities, and its own invisible identity – gives glory to God by being precisely what He wants it to be here and now.
When Jesus called the disciples, He did not find the most qualified; He found the most willing.
It’s our duty to show forth His beauty. And it’s our privilege to show forth His beauty.
Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus (Philippians 4:6-7). Can any one of you by worrying add a single hour to your life? (Matthew 6:27) Since you cannot do this very little thing, why do you worry about the rest? (Luke 12:26)
Avoid all anxious care, vexation murmuring, and melancholy which darken the soul, and that renders you unfit for the friendship of God. He who complains, or thinks he has a right to complain, because he is called in God’s providence to suffer, has something within him which needs to be taken away.If we yield to a complaining and impatient spirit, we shall mar our peace without having the satisfaction of benefiting others.
Don’t have anything to do with foolish and stupid arguments, because you know they produce quarrels (2 Timothy 2:23). Avoid foolish controversies and genealogies and arguments and quarrels about the law, because these are unprofitable and useless. (Titus 3:9). Whatever happens, conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ. (Philippians 1:27).
Do everything without grumbling or arguing, so that you may become blameless and pure, children of God without fault in a warped and crooked generation. Then you will shine among them like stars in the sky (Philippians 2:14-15). Offer hospitality to one another without grumbling. Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms. (1 Peter 4:9-10). Don’t grumble against one another, or you will be judged. The Judge is standing at the door! (James 5:9).
When we complain, we look ugly. We are meant to show God’s beauty.
Just as we share abundantly in the sufferings of Christ, so also our comfort abounds through Christ (2 Corinthians 1:5).
God’s grace abounds to us, especially when we suffer hurt.
I desire to dwell in the shelter of the Most High. I will rest in the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the Lord: “You are my refuge and my fortress, my God in whom I trust.” Surely God will save me from the fowler’s snare, and from the deadly pestilence. He will cover me with His feathers, and under His wings I will find refuge. His faithfulness is my shield and rampart, my buckler wherever I go. I will not fear the terror of night, nor the arrow that flies by day, nor the pestilence that stalks in the darkness, nor the plague that destroys in sunlight. A thousand may fall at my side, ten thousand at my right hand, but it will not come near me. I will only observe with my eyes and see the punishment of the wicked. Because I make the Most High my dwelling place — even the Lord, who is my refuge — no [deadly] harm will befall me. No [life-threatening] disaster will come near my dwelling. For the Lord will command His angels concerning me, to guard me in all my ways. They will lift me up in their hands so I will not strike my foot against a stone. I will tread upon the lion and the cobra; I will trample the great lion and the serpent. “Because [he/she] loves Me,” says the Lord, “I will rescue [him/her]. I will set [him/her] securely on high, for [he/she] acknowledges My name. [He/She] will call upon Me and I will answer [him/her]. I will be with [him/her] in trouble. I will deliver [him/her] and honor [him/her]. With long life I will satisfy [him/her] and show [him/her] My salvation.” (Psalm 91:1-16)
Lord, You have said, “My grace is sufficient for you.” For Your strength is shown perfect in my weakness. So I will take pleasure gladly in my infirmities, pains, distresses — for Christ’s sake — so Christ’s power may rest on me (2 Corinthians 12:9). Therefore I count it all joy whenever I fall into various trials knowing that the testing of my faith produces patience. And I will let patience have its perfect work in me, so I may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing in my service to You, Lord (James 1:2-4). Dear God, help me to remain faithful in tests that have been granted for my gain, because I know that when my faith is tested, my endurance has a chance to grow.
Jesus has promised: “I will not leave you comfortless; I will come to you” (John 14:18). Jesus, Your banner over me is love — how fortunate I am! My Lover is mine and I am His (Song of Songs 2:4, 16).
Since Christ suffered and underwent pain, we must have the same attitude He did (1 Peter 4:1). I must be ready to suffer too, for I remember that when my body suffers, sin loses it power (1 Peter 4:1 Phillips). I take my share of suffering as a good soldier in Christ Jesus (2 Timothy 2:3). Father, You are able to make all grace abound to me so that in all things at all times, having all that I need, I will abound in every good work (2 Corinthians 9:8).
You have allotted me grace (Ephesians 4:7). You have redeemed me with an outstretched arm and with mighty acts of judgment (Exodus 6:6). You have taken me as Your own, and You are my God (Psalm 31:14). You are a Father to me (Ephesians 1:5). You have delivered me from the past that has held me in bondage, and translated me into the kingdom of love, peace, joy and righteousness (Colossians 1:13).
Father, You Yourself have told me: “Do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I [the Almighty One] am your God. I will strengthen you and help you. I will uphold you with My righteous right hand” (Isaiah 41:10). So I will say of the Lord: “You are my refuge and my fortress, my God in whom I trust.”
I am not bound to make the world go right; but only to discover and do, with a cheerful heart, the work God appoints me.
Dearest Father, direct me to work very hard at whatever You direct me to do (Colossians 1:29). I want always to give myself fully to the work of the Lord, because I know my labor in the Lord is not in vain (1 Corinthians 15:58).
If we will obey and do the task God has placed closest to us, we will see Him – at work through us and also at the last days. Be sure that if you do your very best in that which is laid upon you today, you will not be left without sufficient help when some weightier occasion arises.
Please fill me with Your Holy Spirit, that I may go about Your work this day in Your love and power, for You have made me to be thoroughly equipped for every good work (2 Timothy 3:17). I know that everyone born of God overcomes the world; this is the victory that overcomes: my faith (1 John 5:4). I give cheerfully [of all the talent and time I have], and my God makes all grace flow to me in abundance, so that in all things at all times, having all sufficiency in all that is needed, I abound to every good work (2 Corinthians 9:6-8).
Exactness in little duties is a wonderful source of cheerfulness!Cheered by the presence of God, I will do at each moment, without anxiety and according to the strength He gives me, the work His providence assigns me.
I earnestly pray that I walk worthy of You, my Lord God, fully pleasing You and desiring to please You in all things, and being fruitful in every good work. I aim at increasing in the knowledge of You, my God. And so I pray that I am being strengthened with all power according to Your glorious might (Colossians 1:10-11).
I am not the Great “I AM”, but by the grace of God I am what I am. Here, O Lord, You have placed me and I will glorify You here.
I must do the work God gives me to do, even when I don’t see the whole picture.
It is only a turning loose of the things that most of us keep as treasure that we find what is truly treasure.
Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things. (Colossians 3:2) Turn from worthless things to the living God (Acts 14:15). Through Him all things were made; without Him nothing was made that has been made (John 1:3).
Things that cause people to stumble are bound to come, but woe to anyone through whom they come (Luke 17:1). The worries of this life, the deceitfulness of wealth and the desires for other things come in and choke the word, making it unfruitful (Mark 4:19).
Don’t worship and serve created things rather than the Creator (Romans 1:25). ‘Who will get what you have prepared for yourself?’ This is how it will be with whoever stores up things for themselves but is not rich toward God (Luke 12:20-21).
Things don’t change – you change the way you look at things. Remember: whatever you pay attention to grows! Live above distinctions so that plenty doesn’t entangle your spirit and poverty doesn’t break it.
Treasure is the beauty that surrounds us, for we can take nothing with us when we leave this planet.
There is but one God, the Father, from whom all things came and for whom we live; and there is but one Lord, Christ Jesus, through whom all things came and through whom we live (1 Corinthians 8:6). For in Him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth… all things have been created through Him and for Him. He is before all things, and in Him all things hold together (Colossians 1:16-17). You know that it was not with perishable things such as silver or gold that you were redeemed (1 Peter 1:18).
Material things make good servants, but bad masters. Everything we own owns us – why would we want more things? The person who is free is not the person who has nearly everything, but the person who needs almost nothing. We were placed on earth not to accumulate but to give away.
To the pure, all things are pure (Titus 1:15). Use the things of the world, as if not engrossed in them, for this world in its present form is passing away (1 Corinthians 7:30-31), things are destined to perish (Colossians 2:22). The end of all things is near (1 Peter 4:7).
God is able to bless you abundantly, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work (2 Corinthians 9:8).
Blessings are like hugs from God to let you know how much He loves you. Counting your blessings is like hugging God back.The God from Whom all Blessings Flow – what a name!
Wouldn’t it be wonderful if our minds growled like our stomachs do when they get hungry? Your mind acts on what you feed it. Your mind doesn’t know the difference between reality and fantasy, so be sure to feed it truth.
You satisfy the hungry with good things (Psalm 107:9). He who comes to me will never go hungry (John 6:35).
As the earth revolves around the sun so should we revolve around the Son. As most preachers have instructed us: Lean towards the Light. And yet, when you turn toward God you realize He has been facing you all the time.
Truly the light is sweet, and a pleasant thing it is for the eyes to behold the sun (Ecclesiastes 11:7).
We meditate so that we might learn to see through Christ’s eyes the divine mystery of all that surrounds us. Also, meditate much on heaven, for it will help you to press on and to forget the toil on the way.
