Fast And Dumb

With a title like this, I know you’re probably wondering what this morning’s blog is all about!

Ostriches.

We are taking two of the grandkids, Sam and Kristine, to the Ostrich Ranch today. It’s a fascinating place, a petty zoo of sorts. They have miniature donkeys and deer, chickens, rabbits, goats, lorikeets, ducks, sting rays and ostriches, of course.

On their Q&A page it says, “Can you ride an ostrich? Not here! They are really fast and really dumb… that’s a bad combination!”

I whole-heartedly agree. God said the same thing about ostriches in the book of Job.

“That’s because I did not give wisdom to the ostrich. She is foolish, and I made her that way.
18 But when the ostrich gets up to run, she laughs at the horse and its rider, because she can run faster than any horse.” Job 39:17-18 ERV

Being void of wisdom can be dangerous so it’s good, in that case, to be fast.

I think we have all had times that we have made “dumb” mistakes. We were too quick in choosing a course of action that got us into trouble. I know I have. Those mistakes can be quite costly.

Solomon has much to say about wisdom. In fact, the whole book of Proverbs is written to help us make wise choices.

“These are the proverbs of Solomon,…They will help you learn to be wise, to accept correction, and to understand wise sayings. They will teach you to develop your mind in the right way. You will learn to do what is right and to be honest and fair. These proverbs will make even those without education smart. They will teach young people what they need to know and how to use what they have learned. Even the wise could become wiser by listening to these proverbs. They will gain understanding and learn to solve difficult problems.” Proverbs 1:1-5 ERV

Today will be a fun day with the kids but it will also be a day to share with them about wisdom and not being foolish in a way that a 4-year old and 6-year old can understand. As parents and grandparents we need to take the opportunities we have to share the teachings of God’s word with our littles.

They need the guidance.

“My son, pay attention to what I say. Remember my commands…Look for wisdom like silver. Search for it like hidden treasure. If you do this, you will understand what it means to respect the Lord, and you will come to know God. The Lord is the source of wisdom; knowledge and understanding come from his mouth. He gives good advice to honest people and shields those who do what is right.” Proverbs 2:1-7 ERV

It’s never too late to gain wisdom. Maybe we all need to slow down a bit, seek the treasure of wisdom and do right!

Many Wonders

This morning I have a short thought to share with you from the book of Job.

Job was the object of the devil’s destruction. He lost his home, his livelihood and his children. In all of it, he never blamed God or walked away from his relationship with Him.

His friends thought Job had sinned greatly and that God was punishing him but Job maintain that he hadn’t sinned. After many days of their rebuke, the Lord spoke and confirmed Job’s innocence of any great sin.

The one thing that stands out to me from this trial is that Job always saw the greatness of God, his friends made mention of it too. They talked of creation and all that God had made. They talked of the way nature moved in harmony and were amazed by what God had done.

I believe this is where Job found his strength to endure the trial is was in.

“Job, consider carefully the many wonders of God. 15 Can you explain why lightning
flashes at the orders 16 of God who knows all things? Or how he hangs the clouds
in empty space?” Job 37:14-16 CEV

We would do well to follow these words; “consider carefully the many wonders of God”.

When we are going through a trial and feel alone and lost “consider carefully the many wonders of God”. Our God and Father who created all we see is by our side. He has promised to never leave us. He is our protector and provider, He is our strength and our joy!

The other day while we were hiking by a river I saw this marvelous mushroom. It’s called a turkey tail. It’s amazingly different for many of the other mushrooms. Our Father created it. If He would put this much creative thought into creating a mushroom just think of how much thought and purpose He puts into designing our lives.

“I will bless you with a future filled with hope—a future of success, not of suffering.” Jeremiah 29:11 CEV

If you need to be encouraged today, look around and consider the many wonders of God. This God and Father knows the number of the hairs on your head, He knows your name and you are valuable and special to Him!

Stay on Course

Recently we watched “Kon Tiki”. It’s a movie about the “real life” of Thor Heyerdahl and his crew who sailed from Peru across the Pacific to the Polynesian Islands in 1947 on a balsa wood raft. It was a 4300 mile trip and took over one hundred days. The courage of Heyerdahl and his crew is matched only by their determination. It’s definitely a “must” watch.

The raft’s only means of propulsion was its sail and the ocean’s currents and a rudder were its means of navigation. The rudder helped them hold their course as the current and the trade winds moved them on their journey. I was captivated by their story, after all, Heyerdahl is Norwegian and so am I.

The rudder – a long wooden pole with a flat piece of wood tied to the end of it – was the only thing they had to steer them through the waters. It would have been disastrous to have lost it.

We also need a rudder to stay on course and the Bible tells us what that rudder is.

“All of us do many wrong things. But if you can control your tongue, you are mature and able to control your whole body. By putting a bit into the mouth of a horse, we can turn the horse in different directions. It takes strong winds to move a large sailing ship, but the captain uses only a small rudder to make it go in any direction. Our tongues are small too, and yet they brag about big things.” James 3:2-5a CEV

Our tongue, the words that we speak, are our rudder in life. The things we say to ourselves and the things we say to others will set our course in all our relationships. One of the best examples of controlling life’s circumstances with words comes from the life of Job. Job had lost all of his children, his animals and his crops. Physically he was suffering and this was his wife’s advice:

“Job scraped his skin with a piece of broken pottery as he sat among the ashes. His wife said to him, “Are you still trying to maintain your integrity? Curse God and die.” 10 But Job replied, “You talk like a foolish woman. Should we accept only good things from the hand of God and never anything bad?” So in all this, Job said nothing wrong.” Job 2:8-10 NLT

Job kept his words pure; they were his life’s rudder. He knew if he began complaining about the way things were going, he would lose the only thing he had left, his faith. He had faith that God would vindicate him and He did!

King David said this: “May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing to you, O Lord, my rock and my redeemer.” Psalm 19:14 NLT

Jesus said this: “I promise you that on the day of judgment, everyone will have to account for every careless word they have spoken. 37 On that day they will be told that they are either innocent or guilty because of the things they have said.” Matthew 12:36-37 CEV

And the Apostle Paul said this: “and never stop praying. 18 Whatever happens, keep thanking God because of Jesus Christ. This is what God wants you to do.” I Thessalonians 5:17-18 CEV

We don’t need to give thanks for the troubles we face but, like Job, we keep our focus on the One who will bring us through the troubles and stay with us in the troubles to keep us in His loving care.

“Whenever people are jealous or selfish, they cause trouble and do all sorts of cruel things. 17 But the wisdom that comes from above leads us to be pure, friendly, gentle, sensible, kind, helpful, genuine, and sincere. 18 When peacemakers plant seeds of peace, they will harvest justice.” James 3:16-18 CEV

When God’s words become our words they are a powerful rudder that will keep our lives on the right course, a course filled with gentleness, kindness, sincerity and peace.

Stay on course!

Awful or Awe-filled

Just a week or so ago I was reading a post that went into great detail, listing all the things around the world that are awful. That word caught my attention, awful. But, in times like these we need to change our focus from the awful to the awe-filled.

Did you see last night’s sunset? Did you take time to watch a bird building a nest or the ant moving a crumb across the rocky ground? Did you watch your child sleeping peacefully or feel the tender touch of your loved one’s hand?

These things are awe-filled moments!

There is so much in life which inspires and encourages. We just have to look for it. God has positioned the wonders of the universe so that we have a sense of just how awesome He is.

“The heavens keep telling the wonders of God, and the skies declare what he has done.
Each day informs the following day; each night announces to the next. They don’t speak a word, and there is never the sound of a voice. Yet their message reaches all the earth,  and it travels around the world.” Psalm 19:1-4 CEV

“No one can stare at the sun after a breeze has blown the clouds from the sky. 22 Yet the glorious splendor of God All-Powerful is brighter by far. 23 God cannot be seen— but his power is great, and he is always fair.” Job 37:21-23 CEV

Our loving, heavenly Father wants us to be constantly aware that He is here and always ready to comfort and to guide. He doesn’t leave us to flounder on our own. He replaces what is awful with what is the awe-filled revelation of His presence.

“God, you give true peace to people who depend on you, to those who trust in you. So trust the Lord always, because in the Lord Yah* you have a place of safety forever.” Isaiah 26:3 ERV *Yah means mighty rock

Some years back I was sitting in a small community church. The song leader said that he would take requests from those in attendance. A sweet, unpretentious man raised his hand to make a request. Donald had been living on the streets; alcohol and drugs had stolen his family, his job and self-esteem. But one day someone introduced him to Jesus and his life changed. He was so aware of the Father’s loving presence. He said, “I hope we can sing ‘Our God is an Awesome God’. I don’t really know the tune very well but I do know that God is really awesome and that He loves me”. His matter-of-fact statement brought tears to my eyes.

We can look at the awful or we can seek our Awesome God and have each day filled with awe!

“O Lord, you are a great and awesome God! You always fulfill your covenant and keep your promises of unfailing love to those who love you and obey your commands.” Daniel 9:4 NLT

The Bucket List

A few years back a movie was released with Jack Nicholson and Morgan Freeman, Bucket List. I’m not a big fan of either actor but had heard about the movie and it was on TV so Dave and I watched it. The premise: What do you want to do before you die, what would make life feel complete. And not long after the movie’s release people began to ask “what’s on your bucket list” and to say “that’s on my bucket list”.

I’ve never made a bucket list. Imagine that. Sixty-six years old and no bucket list. I don’t believe it’s because I am not adventurous or that I’m unimaginative. No, quiet the contrary, but God has filled my life so full that there is nothing that I still need to do to feel my life is fulfilled. I have a wonderful husband, loving children and grandchildren, I get to share God’s word with you each day and I have a home I enjoy. I am blessed!

Oh yes, there are some things I would like to do – a Cinderella night with Dave, catch a marlin and go on a resort-style vacation but I live enjoying each day and what is in it.

Years ago I dealt with some issues of low self-esteem and loneliness. I needed to be needed. During that dark time the Lord showed me that what I needed was more of an awareness of His love and constant companionship. Jesus and I became a team; everything I needed was in Him. I guess you could say He became my bucket list. His name is at the top, the middle and the bottom.

In the 1980’s, a worship chorus was being sung in churches everywhere. It echoed what I felt in my heart.

“Lord, you are more precious than silver. Lord, you are more costly than gold. Lord, you are more beautiful than diamonds, and nothing I desire compares to you.

Lord, your love is higher than mountains. Lord, your love is deeper than seas. Lord, your love encompasses the nations, and yet, you live right here inside of me!”

There are many mornings, like today, when I wake up and those are the words that I going through my heart and my head. Yes, that is my bucket list – there is nothing that I desire that compares to the Lord.

“And let God All-Powerful be your gold. Let him be your pile of silver. 26 Then you will enjoy God All-Powerful, and you will look up to him.” Job 22:25-26 ERV

“Those who find wisdom are fortunate; they will be blessed when they gain understanding. 14 Profit that comes from wisdom is better than silver and even the finest gold. 15 Wisdom is worth more than fine jewels. Nothing you desire has more value.” Proverbs 3:13-15 ERV

In the book of James we are told to ask the Lord if we lack wisdom and He will give it to us generously. His Word is THE source of wisdom and it is provided to us freely.

“Do any of you need wisdom? Ask God for it. He is generous and enjoys giving to everyone. So he will give you wisdom.” James 1:5 ERV

Now there is nothing wrong with compiling a bucket list as long as we don’t base our happiness and joy on the items we place there. Jesus said He came to give us an abundant and overflowing life. Just make sure that the first item on the list is the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit and our relationship with them. That truly is what makes life complete.


Review and Evaluate

For many years I was responsible for conducting Personnel Evaluations and Reviews. When employees were first hired they had a 90-day review and after that it was an annual evaluation. I always looked for their strengths and tried to encourage change in areas of weakness.

Now I find myself each morning reviewing the events of my previous day. I look back and am thankful for so many things, large and small.  I know some of you do this at the end of your day and that’s great too. This isn’t a performance evaluation because we can never win God’s approval by performance or the lack of it, That was all done by Jesus.

So what did I learn in my review of yesterday?

The day started out spending time with Dave, Pam and Jen. We enjoy being together and it doesn’t have to be something great and significant, just the small things are so much better because of the love we share.

The afternoon was spent resting. It’s important that we give ourselves time to be quiet. Our bodies aren’t made to be on the go 24/7, they need rest. It’s a shame that I had to retire to realize that.

In the evening we went to friends for dinner. Randy and Kristi have been our friends for almost 30 years. Friendships like that are truly nuggets of gold. We spent time catching up on life; children, grandchildren, life’s treasures and disappointing times. We talked of the Lord and His faithfulness and our hearts were more full than our stomachs when we left.

Yes, it was a good day!

So, I began to thank the Lord for the day past and the one to come. I found myself saying “Thank you Father. You make my life so…” and then I searched my mind for the right adjective.

Exciting…adventurous…wonderful…full…marvelous…amazing…peaceful…joyful…loving.

But then I stopped. I realized I didn’t need any adjectives. What I was really saying is “Thank you Father, You make my life!”

It’s that simple. Without the Lord, I really wouldn’t be experiencing true living. He makes it all complete.

“You gave me life and showed me your unfailing love. My life was preserved by your care.” Job 10:12

Knowing God and having Him in my life intensifies and magnifies each day’s experiences.  The Apostle Paul said it this way:

I am full of hope and feel sure I will not have any reason to be ashamed. I am certain I will continue to have the same boldness to speak freely that I always have. I will let God use my life to bring more honor to Christ. It doesn’t matter whether I live or die. 21 To me, the only important thing about living is Christ. And even death would be for my benefit.22 If I continue living here on earth, I will be able to work for the Lord. But what would I choose—to live or to die? I don’t know.” Philippians 1:20-22 ERV

Jesus purpose in coming to earth was to give man a life filled with purpose. He didn’t come to diminish life and cause it to be substandard. No! He came to enhance and improved our lives in a way that we can’t possibly do on our own.

A thief comes only to rob, kill, and destroy. I came so that everyone would have life, and have it in its fullest.” John 10:10 CEV

I am the light that has come into the world. No one who has faith in me will stay in the dark.

47 I am not the one who will judge those who refuse to obey my teachings. I came to save the people of this world, not to be their judge.” John 12:46-47 CEV

Now it’s time to get up and start this day. I am really looking forward to it. I know that God has planned my steps and He has great things in store for me! I pray that you are looking forward to the moments of your day as well.

This is the day that the Lord has made. Let us be full of joy and be glad in it. 25 O Lord, we beg You to save us! O Lord, we ask that You let everything go well for us! ” Psalm 118:24-25 NLV

 

 

Stop and Smell the Flowers – Carefully

Yesterday I was out in the yard, the prickly pear are filled with blooms and I stopped to take a picture for a friend.

If you look closely in the top bloom you will see a honey bee bathing himself in pollen. It was fascinating to watch. He would dive in and roll around covering himself in yellow pollen. I tried to get a video of it but he flew away.

Who taught him to do that? Who gives the hummingbirds their command to fly south for the winter and to return in the Spring? Who tells the horses and cattle in the fields to grow thick heavy coats in the winter as protection from the cold? How do sea turtles know to come to the sandy beaches to lay their eggs? And who instructs the salmon to return to their spawning grounds?

These are not creatures with great intelligence. However, they were created with the instinct for preservation of life. Who gave them that instinct? The Creator of all things!

“God said, “I command the ocean to be full of living creatures, and I command birds to fly above the earth.” 21 So God made the giant sea monsters and all the living creatures that swim in the ocean. He also made every kind of bird. God looked at what he had done, and it was good.” Genesis 1:20-21 CEV

Since God created it all and gave such great forethought to every detail of His creation isn’t it safe to assume that He is equally as concerned with the details of our lives?

““But ask the wild animals, and they will teach you. Ask the birds of the heavens, and let them tell you. 8 Or speak to the earth, and let it teach you. Let the fish of the sea make it known to you. 9 Who among all these does not know that the hand of the Lord has done this? 10 In His hand is the life of every living thing and the breath of all men.” Job 12:7-10 NLV

Jesus told us that we should be free from worry about our daily necessities by comparing the way God provides for the flowers and birds to us. I know I use that analogy frequently but it’s because I am still so amazed by His love and provision.

“I tell you this: Do not worry about your life. Do not worry about what you are going to eat and drink. Do not worry about what you are going to wear. Is not life more important than food? Is not the body more important than clothes? 26 Look at the birds in the sky. They do not plant seeds. They do not gather grain. They do not put grain into a building to keep. Yet your Father in heaven feeds them! Are you not more important than the birds? 27 Which of you can make himself a little taller by worrying? 28 Why should you worry about clothes? Think how the flowers grow. They do not work or make cloth. 29 But I tell you that Solomon in all his greatness was not dressed as well as one of these flowers. 30 God clothes the grass of the field. It lives today and is burned in the stove tomorrow. How much more will He give you clothes? You have so little faith! 31 Do not worry. Do not keep saying, ‘What will we eat?’ or, ‘What will we drink?’ or, ‘What will we wear?’ 32 The people who do not know God are looking for all these things. Your Father in heaven knows you need all these things.” Matthew 6:25-32 NLV

Each time I see an example of God’s goodness in nature like the honey bee yesterday or the hummingbirds that come daily to my feeders it makes me stop and say thank you. God didn’t have to provide for us. He didn’t have to shower us with love and affection but He chose to. Independent of me efforts or lack thereof, He chose to love me! Amazing!!

“When I look up and think about Your heavens, the work of Your fingers, the moon and the stars, which You have set in their place, 4 what is man, that You think of him, the son of man that You care for him? 5 You made him a little less than the angels and gave him a crown of greatness and honor. 6 You made him to rule over the works of Your hands. You put all things under his feet: 7 All sheep and cattle, all the wild animals, 8 the birds of the air, and the fish of the sea, and all that pass through the sea. 9 O Lord, our Lord, how great is Your name in all the earth!” Psalm 8:3-9 NLV

If you’re feeling down today, thinking that no one notices or really cares about the struggles you’re facing, go find a flower. Look at its intricacies and remind yourself that God who created these flowers is your loving heavenly Father and He cares, He deeply cares about you.

Elvis Presley sang a song years ago and the lyrics go like this:

Who made the mountains, who made the trees
Who made the rivers flow to the sea
And who sends the rain when the earth is dry
Somebody bigger than you and I

Who made the flowers to bloom in the spring
Who made the song for the robins to sing
And who hung the moon in the starry sky
Somebody bigger than you and I

He lights the way when the road is long
He keeps you company
And with His love to guide you
He walks beside you
Just like He walks with me

When I am weary, filled with despair
Who gives me courage to go on from there
And who gives me faith that will never die
Somebody bigger than you and I
Bigger than you and I

Let your heart be filled with song as you stop and smell the flowers!

Like Pieces of A Puzzle

I am one of those people who love to do jigsaw puzzles.

You start out with a thousand pieces and you have an image on a box, let the fun begin. I do think it’s fun. I remember when I was little  my mom and dad would have friends over to visit for pie and coffee and there would always be a card table set up with a puzzle.

They would talk and put the puzzle together. It was a time of building relationship. As I became older and had a family of my own I enjoyed, and still do, putting together puzzles with family and friends. My daughters and I usually start a puzzle when they arrive for the weekend and hopefully finish it before they leave. It’s a great time to talk and share our lives.

I have a friend that shares my love of puzzles and she and I look forward to the time we spend around the table hunting for pieces, working together, and catching up.

The thing you have to remember about a jigsaw puzzle is the image was created first. Then, originally, a jigsaw was used to cut pieces in such a way that they would fit together and recreate the Master Design.

Some people I know think of the Bible as a puzzle. There are thousands of pieces and they think they know what it should look like but often times are surprised by the image that they find. Some think they will find an angry God while others believe they will see a God who is absent and unresponsive. However, quite the opposite is true!

When the pieces come together we find a loving God who is intimately involved in the smallest of details. He works everything out so that the final picture reveals His love and grace.

This morning I was reading in the book of Job. It’s not a book I spend a lot of time in but this morning I was caught up in the intricate way that the Lord described creation. The Lord asks Job:

How did I lay the foundation for the earth? Were you there?Doubtless you know who decided its length and width.What supports the foundation? Who placed the cornerstone, 7 while morning stars sang, and angels rejoiced?

When the ocean was born,  I set its boundariesand wrapped it in blankets of thickest fog. 10 Then I built a wall around it, locked the gates, 11 and said, “Your powerful waves stop here! They can go no farther.” 12 Did you ever tell the sun to rise? And did it obey?… 19 Where is the home of light, and where does darkness live? 20 Can you lead them home?…24 From where does lightning leap, or the east wind blow? 25 Who carves out a path for thunderstorms? 31 Can you arrange stars in groups such as Orion and the Pleiades? 32 Do you control the stars or set in place the Big Dipper and the Little Dipper? 33 Do you know the laws that govern the heavens, and can you make them rule the earth?” Job 38 CEV

You really need to read through Job 38 and 39. The Lord’s planning and thoughtfulness in the act of creation is absolutely amazing! And then my reading took me to Proverbs 3. Watch how the puzzle pieces go together.

God blesses everyone who has wisdom and common sense. 14 Wisdom is worth more than silver; it makes you much richer than gold. 15 Wisdom is more valuable than precious jewels; nothing you want compares with her…19 By his wisdom and knowledge the Lord created heaven and earth. 20 By his understanding he let the ocean break loose and clouds release the rain. 21 My child, use common sense and sound judgment! Always keep them in mind. 22 They will help you to live a long and beautiful life. 23 You will walk safely and never stumble; 24 you will rest without a worry and sleep soundly. 25 So don’t be afraid of sudden disasters or storms that strike those who are evil. 26 You can be sure that the Lord will protect you from harm.” Proverbs 3:13-24 CEV

God used his wisdom in creation. He set boundaries for the oceans and the seas. He set rules for rain and snow. He set the course of the stars. And now He is blessing us with wisdom so that we can  have a long and beautiful life.

Are you beginning to see the picture? God gave us everything that we need for living on this planet at creation. He thought of every detail and He is blessing us with wisdom which is far more valuable than gold.

Now before I finish up this morning I want you to know that I am far from having all the pieces put together in the puzzle of God’s word but I do know that the more I read it, the more I look at it and study the shape of the pieces I am finding how they all fit together.

The last piece that I want to add to the puzzle this morning comes from Luke. This is a piece of protection that fits nicely with the verses in Proverbs.

 Five sparrows are sold for just two pennies, but God doesn’t forget a one of them. Even the hairs on your head are counted. So don’t be afraid! You are worth much more than many sparrows.” Luke 12:6-7 

Do you see it? God designed the whole course of creation. It was His wisdom and knowledge that made it all work together. He didn’t create the animals before He made land, they would have drown. He didn’t create plants before light; they would have froze. He created every detail that gives the sparrows their flight. He cares for them no matter how insignificant they seem but He cares for us so much more. It all fits!

From creation until the end of the world God is showing His love and protection for us. Now that’s the big picture.

Our God is an Awesome God!

 

 

The Gift of Strength

Don’t you love looking at the presents under the Christmas tree? There are all shapes and sizes, some in plain paper and others with big fancy bows. As a kid it was torture to have them out too early and yes I admit there was one year in particular that my sister and I opened some to see what was inside and then carefully wrapped them again.

The gift I’m giving you this morning also comes in all shapes and sizes and so I’ve included several boxes for you to open. I have for you this morning the gift of strength. Yes, strength. Lots of different examples in the Bible for you to see on this one.

Most notably we have Samson who destroyed God’s enemies with his great strength. But we must also be reminded of Noah who took on a huge construction project with just his 3 sons to help; David, a young shepherd who killed a lion, bear and a giant; Elijah, the prophet, who called down fire from heaven, defeated 400 prophets of Baal and outran Ahab’s chariot all in the same day. Then there was the woman who had bleeding condition for over 17 years and she faced a hostile crowd to get to Jesus; Paul was shipwrecked numerous times and was also beaten for his preaching but he kept going. Peter needed moral strength and failed when he denied Christ but went on to be a powerful preacher after the Lord forgave him.

The Bible is full of examples for people needing and finding strength; some was physical strength, while other strength came in the form of courage and mental fortitude. Some challenges were common and others were life threatening; sickness, emotional distress, financial ruin, failed relationships, fractured families, perilous circumstances.

Any of those sound familiar? God is so practical. He isn’t just concerned about the “religious” part of our lives, He desire is to fill every area of our life with His life changing relationship. I’m going to take a moment to run through a few Scripture verses on strength so bear with me.

“He giveth power to the faint; and to them that have no might he increaseth strength.” Isaiah 40:29 KJV

“The Lord is my strength. He saves me, and I sing songs of praise to him. He is my God, and I praise him. He is the God of my ancestors, and I honor him.” Exodus 15:2 ERV

“God is my strength and power: and he maketh my way perfect.” I Samuel 22:33 KJV

“Behold, thou hast instructed many, and thou hast strengthened the weak hands.” Job 4:3

” God is the one who gives me strength. He clears the path I need to take.” Psalm 18:32 ERV

“Wait on the Lord: be of good courage, and he shall strengthen thine heart: wait, I say, on the Lord.” Psalm 27:14 KJV

“God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.” Psalm 46:1

“The Lord is my strength and song, and is become my salvation.” Psalm 118:14

“But he replied, “My kindness is all you need. My power is strongest when you are weak.” So if Christ keeps giving me his power, I will gladly brag about how weak I am.” II Corinthians 12:9 CEV

“Christ is the one who gives me the strength I need to do whatever I must do.” Philippians 4:13 ERV

“But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint.” Isaiah 40:31 KJV

Each verse is like opening another package – more treasures inside each one – more strength when it’s needed.

I don’t know what situations are working to deplete your strength today but I do know the one who steps in and takes over when we feel we have come to the end of what we can do. Instead of coming to the point of exhaustion start out by saying this little prayer.

“Father, today I don’t want to operate in my power. I’m prone to fail. I want to have Your strength in all that I do, in every situation I want to depend on You and Your abilities.”

Enjoy the gift of His strength!