Tag: encouragement

Be Still, Stay Calm and Watch

Over the last couple of days, I have been meditating on Psalm 136. The verses in this chapter, recount instances of God’s enduring love throughout scripture. One of my favorite parts, is when it mentions how God divided the Red Sea, in verses 13-15.

Psalms 136:13-15 (CSB)

13 He divided the Red Sea, His faithful love endures forever. 14 and led Israel through, His faithful love endures forever. 15 but hurled Pharaoh and his army into the Red Sea. His faithful love endures forever.

The original story is told in Exodus 14. However, verses 13-14 in Exodus, also stood out to me. It says, “13 But Moses told the people, “Don’t be afraid. Just stand still and watch the Lord rescue you today. The Egyptians you see today will never be seen again. 14 The Lord himself will fight for you. Just stay calm.”

Sometimes, we just need to stand still, stay calm and watch to see what God will do.

Photo by: Iforce

Reflecting on these miraculous events from the past, brings us strength for today. We can choose to cast our cares upon the Lord and trust Him to fight our battles. He never runs out of whatever it is we need. He will create a path for us to walk through, just like He did for Moses and the Israelites. Every verse in Psalms 136, ends with, “His faithful love endures forever.” These are words we can all take comfort in. No matter what we are facing, we can remember that, “His faithful love endures forever.”

For more inspiration Visit Drawing Closer to Christ on YouTube

Florida Memories: Rainbows 🌈, Suriname 🇸🇷 & Citrus 🍊

“God puts rainbows in the clouds so that each of us – in the dreariest and most dreaded moments – can see a possibility of hope.” Maya Angelou

This month, marks three years since I left South Florida. However, during my four year stay there, I think I saw more rainbows, than I had seen in my entire life. They were a normal occurrence due to the frequent mix of rain and sunshine. According to livescience.com, “Rainbows are frequently seen in the wake of a rainstorm. They come when the sunlight breaks through rain clouds.”

It was a delight to experience the rainbow phenomenon so often. Rainbows remind me, that God’s light can break through any dark clouds we may face in this life. And dark clouds aren’t always a bad thing, since in them, we can better see God’s light.

Rainbow, March 2018

The rainbow in the picture was one of my favorites. While coming out of work one evening in March of 2018, I saw it. Seeing a rainbow is always fascinating and they are a reminder of God’s promise in Genesis 9:13-17, to never destroy the Earth by a flood again.

God’s promises to us will always stand. As we are reminded in 2 Corinthians 1:20 NLT, “For all of God’s promises have been fulfilled in Christ with a resounding “Yes!” And through Christ, our “Amen” (which means “Yes”) ascends to God for his glory.”

The month of November (the 25th), is also when the country of Suriname 🇸🇷 gained its independence. So below is a picture of me and my Dutch speaking sister in Christ from Suriname. She is the only person I have ever met from that country. I was honored to meet her. We took this picture on my last Sunday attending church in Florida.

Last Sunday at my Florida church

And lastly, if you ever get a chance to try a Sumo Citrus, you won’t be disappointed. It originated in Japan but I saw it and tried it for the first time in Florida. They are so sweet and delicious!

Sumo Citrus
Sumo Citrus unveiled 😋

Previous Florida Memories post: Be Thankful, Be Content

Happy Thanksgiving

Psalm 95:1-3 NLT, “Come, let us sing to the LORD! Let us shout joyfully to the Rock of our salvation. Let us come to him with thanksgiving. Let us sing psalms of praise to him. For the LORD is a great God, a great King above all gods.”

Wishing you a Happy Thanksgiving! I pray that joy and peace will fill your heart as you take time to reflect on God’s goodness, with a thankful heart. He is the Rock of our salvation and we can rest knowing that He is walking with us every moment of everyday.

Photo by: Adam Winger of the USA 🇺🇸

As I reflect on God’s goodness, these are some things I am thankful for:

1. That God supplies all our needs Philippians 4:19

2. That God works all things together for our good Romans 8:28

3. That God understands our weaknesses Hebrews 4:15

4. That God never changes Hebrews 13:8

5. That God has overcome the trials of this world John 16:33

6. That God’s love for us never ends Psalm 136:1

7. That God’s goodness and mercy always follow us Psalm 23:6

Visit my YouTube channel for more Thanksgiving inspiration:

Being thankful: Trusting God Through Change

Being thankful: Seeing What God Sees

Being thankful: Thanksgiving Prayer

Don’t Speak Recklessly

Proverbs 12:18 NIV, “The words of the reckless pierce like swords, but the tongue of the wise brings healing.”

This verse reminds us of the opportunity we have to glorify God by using our words to speak life to others. It is always wise to think before we speak, because although we live in a world that encourages people to speak their minds, without regard for the feelings of others, choosing our words wisely, will help bring healing to others. Words, when used recklessly, can do years of damage. We should pray regularly and ask God to help us to value the lives of others, through the words we speak.

Remember, Wisdom is slow to anger.

Photo by: Andrea Piacquadio of Hungary 🇭🇺

Just Believe

Mark 5:35-36 NIV, “35 While Jesus was still speaking, some people came from the house of Jairus, the synagogue leader. “Your daughter is dead,” they said. “Why bother the teacher anymore?”

36 Overhearing what they said, Jesus told him, “Don’t be afraid; just believe.”

The words Jesus spoke to the people, “Don’t be afraid; just believe,” are the same words He is speaking to us today. He does not want us to let fear creep in and hinder our faith. No matter how difficult our circumstances are, we can keep believing in Him for strength, peace, and provision for our needs. He is the answer to the problems we face. He will work out what is best for us (Romans 8:28). We just need to believe.

Remember, Don’t Lose Hope.

Photo by: Arina Krasnikova of the USA 🇺🇸

Don’t Lose Hope

Proverbs 13:12 NLT, “Hope deferred makes the heart sick, but a longing fulfilled is a tree of life.”

Some days hope may come easy, while other days it may be a struggle. But without hope, our hearts become sick. Therefore, it is important for us not to become hopeless. So how do we remain hopeful? Well, a few things that have helped me stay hopeful are:

First, remember God never changes. We can place our hope in Jesus our Lord, because He never changes. His love for us never changes.

Second, it helps to look back and remember God’s past faithfulness. Life may not be perfect, but when we look back, we can see how God has provided our needs and we are still here today to tell about it.

Third, be willing to receive the encouragement God sends your way from others, but also be willing to encourage yourself. There are times we must encourage ourselves and cast down wrong thoughts that are contrary to God’s word.

And last but not least, never stop praying. Call out to God day or night and He will hear you and answer.

If you have any other suggestions on how to not lose hope during these tough times, feel free to share them in the comments.

Never lose hope my friends. Rest Secure in Jesus.

Photo by: Yelena Odintsova of England 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿

Look At The Birds

Matthew 6:26,“Look at the birds. They don’t plant or harvest or store food in barns, for your heavenly Father feeds them. And aren’t you far more valuable to him than they are?”

This picture is proof that God takes care of the birds…

Photo by: Pixabay

They have to rely on His daily provision. I know we are taught to have a store house, which is a large supply or amount of something, and it can be easy for a store house to become our security. But our true security is found in the Lord. He will take care of us day by day, store house or no store house. In my own life, I have experienced various seasons, where there are times of lack and times of plenty but through it all God was still my Source. He is faithful to give us what we need, so keep relying on Him, like the little birds.

1 Timothy 6:17, NLT, “Teach those who are rich in this world not to be proud and not to trust in their money, which is so unreliable. Their trust should be in God, who richly gives us all we need for our enjoyment.”

May God’s Peace guard your heart and mind today in Christ Jesus.

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