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.
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.
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.
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.
1 John 3:18 NLT, “Dear children, let’s not merely say that we love each other; let us show the truth by our actions.”
When it comes to investing in the lives of others, showing love tops the charts. It is our acts of love that will help lead others to Jesus Christ. Showing love will not always be a warm and fuzzy experience. There will be times, many times, when showing love may even seem inconvenient. It will require us to put the interest of others before our own. We will have to show mercy and compassion to those we may feel do not deserve it. But it helps to remind ourselves, we did not deserve it either, but Jesus still chose to die for us. He has still chosen to extend us His love, mercy, grace, and compassion daily.
Photo by: Artem Podrez of Poland 🇵🇱
God uses us all in different ways, and some of us may be called to help in certain areas, while some of us may not be. So we should ask God for discernment and wisdom regarding people and situations so we can know where and when our help is needed. Quality is better than quantity.
No matter how God uses us to invest in the lives of others, one thing is certain, love never fails (1 Corinthians 13:8). So, may all we say and do, be said and done in love, through the Spirit of God who lives in us.
Our God is Good!May His goodness surround you today!
Philippians 4:19 NLT, “And this same God who takes care of me will supply all your needs from his glorious riches, which have been given to us in Christ Jesus.”
I was reflecting on this verse one morning, and the Lord reminded me that in order to receive His provision, my heart has to be open to how he chooses to provide for me. As I thought about that, I realized that there are times God has provided, but perhaps it was not the way I wanted Him to, so I didn’t respond with thankfulness. But now, when I look back, I can see how He worked everything together for my good.
Photo by: Pixabay
I believe in being specific in my prayer requests, and I believe God does answer prayers; however, I also know that sometimes the answers come in a different way or in a different timing from what I initially expected. For example, if you are asking God for something, He may require you to first take a specific action, and it could be something you do not want to do. Yet, it is the path to God answering your prayer and providing your specific needs. Obedience is key in receiving answers to our prayers, and God gives us grace to do what He is asking us to do.
Photo by: Nyau Mimi of Tanzania 🇹🇿
I often remember Isaiah 55:9 that tells us God’s ways and thoughts are higher than ours. The work He does in our hearts and lives often far exceeds our understanding. So what should we do? Trust God. We should trust God’s way of providing for us in every situation. We must ask Him for exactly what we need and want but then we must trust Him to supply that need or want in the way that is best for us and all those involved.
Remember, every step of trust and obedience, leads to God’s provision.
Dear Father,
We know your promise to provide for us is true. Thank you for working in our lives to do what is best for us. Help us to overcome any struggles we have to believe you will provide what is best, when it is best. Forgive us for the times we have wanted our own wills above yours. Open our hearts to accept your will for our lives no matter the circumstances. Give us strength to follow the path that you have chosen for us, even when it is hard. Help us to remember that your grace is sufficient for us, each and every day, and that your love will sustain us always. In the name of Jesus. Amen.
Philippians 1:6 NLT, “And I am certain that God, who began the good work within you, will continue his work until it is finally finished on the day when Christ Jesus returns.”
God is constantly at work in our hearts and in our lives. If you are like me, you may have days where you wonder if you will ever overcome a particular struggle or if a difficult situation will ever get better. But this verse assures us that God has a plan for us and He is working diligently to bring it to completion.
Photo by: Pixabay
We will always need to keep improving as long as we are here on Earth. However, we can look back and see the progress we have made; we can also take time to celebrate and praise God for the victories we experience along the way. And most of all, we can look forward to seeing Jesus face to face, when the work in us will finally be finished and we will be with Him for eternity. Praises to our God!
My New Endeavor…
I am now sharing my written blogs in video format on YouTube (a project I actually started awhile back but now I am getting back into it). You will also find inspirational messages and prayers on my channel. Please visit and feel free to subscribe and pass the link on to others. Thank you! DCC on YouTube
Also don’t forget my ebooks are still available for your encouragement. Ebooks Here
Keep moving forward in Jesus Christ. He is aware of everything concerning you and will finish all that He has started. Rejoice and be exceedingly glad, for great is your reward in heaven (Matthew 5:12)!!
As always, thank you for your support of Drawing Closer to Christ! I appreciate your encouragement and I ask for your prayers as I continue to seek the Lord.
Drawing Closer to Christ 