Hope Reflected

Encouragement and Hope from God's Word

Christian Living Archive

Monday

26

September 2016

Encouragement: Ecclesiastes 3:11

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ecclesiastes 3:11 God's perfect timing

“He hath made every thing beautiful in his time: also he hath set the world in their heart, so that no man can find out the work that God maketh from the beginning to the end.” Ecclesiastes 3:11

There are so many truths throughout the book of Ecclesiastes, and Ecclesiastes 3:11 is a great reminder of God’s perfect timing. So often in life, we put a plan in motion for exactly how we want and envision things to work out. We think we’ve got things figured out, like we know what’s best for our future.

It’s very easy to forget that God’s perfect timing for our lives can turn out to be completely different from what we imagine as being right. In Isaiah 55:8-9, we’re told, “For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the LORD. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts.” Our thoughts and ways are usually very different from our Lord’s, aren’t they? I also really like how Ecclesiastes 11:5 talks about the wonders of God: “Just as you do not know the path of the wind, or how the body is formed in a mother’s womb, so you cannot understand the work of God, the Maker of all things.”

How many times have you been in a situation, and anticipated how circumstances would work out, as though you were in control? How many times do you think that you’re the one who’s in control, that you can climb that mountain with your own strength, that you can change someone’s heart through your own actions? The reality is, God is in control, and it’s only through Him that we accomplish anything at all!

In Matthew Henry’s commentary, he says the following about Ecclesiastes 3:11: “Every thing is as God made it; not as it appears to us. We have the world so much in our hearts, are so taken up with thoughts and cares of worldly things, that we have neither time nor spirit to see God’s hand in them. The world has not only gained possession of the heart, but has formed thoughts against the beauty of God’s works.”

When I find myself getting impatient or experiencing disappointment, or when things don’t work out as I think they should, it’s a great reminder to look at verses such as Ecclesiastes 3:11 about God’s perfect timing. It may not make sense right now, but God’s got a reason. Our task, like Job, is to continue praising Him even when things don’t make sense, and to continue trusting Him and growing our Faith. “Who does great and unsearchable things, Wonders without number.” [Job 5:9] Job experienced more testing circumstances and situations throughout his life, and yet he never once questioned what God was doing. He knew that God had a plan and would work every thing out in His timing.

Wherever you are today, whether waiting, wondering, or worrying, take heart. God’s perfect timing is worth the wait! God is in control, and He hath made every thing beautiful in His time.

“He hath made every thing beautiful in his time: also he hath set the world in their heart, so that no man can find out the work that God maketh from the beginning to the end.” Ecclesiastes 3:11

 

Friday

23

September 2016

Hope Reflected: Attributes of God, Part 2

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God's attributes

In my last column, I shared three of God’s attributes that have impacted my life: God is faithful, God is love, God is merciful. This week, I’d like to share three other attributes of God that are just as amazing and encouraging.

William Ames once said that, “The attributes of God tell us What He is and Who He is.” This seems like a simple truth, however sometimes we really need to be reminded of what an amazing God He truly is, to really dig in and appreciate all of His wonderful characteristics. Remembering God’s attributes is an excellent way to alleviate anxiety and create peace and rest for our hearts.

  1. God is unchanging. God is unchanging; He is immutable. Think about it. From before the beginning of the world all the way through history to today, God hasn’t changed. He is steadfast, He is sure. And we have 24/7 access to Him! Malachi 3:6 says, “For I am the LORD, I change not;”. Imagine having a confidant or someone you could rely on, no matter what, and no matter how many times you screw up. We have that in God! You can find confidence and peace in knowing that there is One Who never changes. James 1:17 tells us, “Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and comes down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow of turning.” We can rely on God, all the time.
  1. God is all-knowing. That’s right: God is omniscient. Have you ever wished that you knew why you were going through something, or why something didn’t work out how you thought it should? How sometimes your best laid plans don’t pan out, and you just can’t figure it out? We serve a God who’s already got your life completely figured out. God knows everything – from the past, the present, and your future – and He’s got a great plan. David tells us in Paslm 147:5, “Great is our Lord, and of great power: his understanding is infinite.” We are also told in Isaiah 46:9-10 to “Remember the former things, those of long ago; I am God, and there is no other; I am God, and there is none like me. I make known the end from the beginning, from ancient times, what is still to come.”
  1. God is gracious. Read: God gives us what we don’t deserve. He loves to shower His people with goodness and gifts that are exceeding abundantly above all we can ask or think. Ephesians 2:8 lays it out like this: “For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God,”. There is nothing we can do to earn our salvation; eternal security is a gift from God. It’s not something we can obtain in and of ourselves; it only comes as a gift from God. That’s what I don’t understand about people who refuse to accept God’s grace. It’s like turning down a free gift, the greatest gift! In 2 Corinthians 12:9, Paul reminds us of God’s promise, “’My grace is sufficient for thee:’”

There are so many attributes of God that serve as evidence of His greatness, and also that can help us achieve true peace and contentment. Arthur W. Pink, in his book The Attributes of God, said it like this: “Here then is a sure resting-place for the heart. Our lives are neither the product of blind fate nor the result of capricious chance, but every detail of them was ordained from all eternity, and is now ordered by the living and reigning God. Not a hair of our heads can be touched without His permission.”

For wherever you are right now, there is a promise from God and one of His attributes to help you through! All you have to do is trust in Him.

Originally published as “Attributes of God, Part 2.” Minto Express. August 10, 2016: 5: Print.

Wednesday

21

September 2016

Wednesday Wisdom: Discouragement is a Choice

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discouragement is a choice

“Disappointments are inevitable. Discouragement is a choice.” Charles Stanley

It would be completely unrealistic to think that throughout our lives we’ll never experience disappointment. Yet, how often do we experience disappointment and then get discouraged, without realizing that taking the unnecessary detour of discouragement is actually a choice?

Disappointment is defined as “the feeling of sadness or displeasure caused by the nonfulfillment of one’s hopes or expectations.”

Discouragement is defined as “a loss of confidence or enthusiasm; dispiritedness.”

It’s easy to see then how experiencing disappointment can lead to discouragement, right? Especially if we experience repeated disappointments; it can cause us to doubt our abilities, to question our circumstances, to choose discouragement.

Charles Stanley’s words, “Disappointments are inevitable. Discouragement is a choice.” are easy words to say, and hard to live. I know in my own life I often struggle with disappointment and discouragement. The key is not to stay there!

When you’re tempted to choose discouragement, remember these verses:

  • “Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in your sight, O LORD, my rock and my redeemer.” Psalm 19:14
  • “The LORD is my strength and my shield; in him my heart trusts, and I am helped; my heart exults, and with my song I give thanks to him.” Psalm 28:7
  • “Cast your burden on the LORD, and He shall sustain you; He shall never permit the righteous to be moved.” Psalm 55:22
  • “Fear thou not; for I am with you: be not dismayed; for I am your God; I will strengthen you, yes I will help you; I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.” Isaiah 41:10
  • “‘For I know the plans I have for you,’ declares the LORD, ‘plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you a future and a hope.'” Jeremiah 29:11
  • “And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.” Romans 8:28
  • “May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope.” Romans 15:13
  • “So we do not lose heart. Though our outer self is wasting away, our inner self is being renewed day by day. For this light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison.” 2 Corinthians 4:16-17
  • “Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ:” Philippians 1:6
  • “Therefore encourage one another and build one another up, just as you are doing.” 1 Thessalonians 5:11

Monday

19

September 2016

Encouragement: Attributes of God – Deuteronomy 32:4

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encouraging verse God's attributes

“He is the Rock, His work is perfect; For all His ways are justice, A God of truth and without injustice; Righteous and upright is He.” Deuteronomy 32:4

God has so many incredible attributes; when I feel discouraged, it often helps to a. give thanks, and b. consider the many attributes of God that we so often take for granted.

If you’re looking for encouragement today, consider this: God, the Creator of the entire Universe, created you, and He loves you! If you will seek Him, He will hear you and He longs to have a relationship with you.

Think about it: The Creator of the entire Universe wants to know you! If you’re looking for reasons to get to know Him, consider these 5 amazing attributes of God:

  1. God is the Rock. Not just a rock. THE Rock. You can lean on Him whenever, wherever, and about whatever. We serve an awesome God who wants to have a relationship with us. We can confide anything to Him; He loves us!
  2. His work is perfect. Perfect. Not good. Not great. Perfect. In Hebrews 12:2, we are told that God is the author and finisher of our faith. His way is perfect, and His work is perfect. Choose the path that He has for you!
  3. All His ways are justice. ALL. Not some. Not most. ALL. God is just, and God is truth. So many times in life we think circumstances or things aren’t fair, or we hear things said about us or people make assumptions about us that aren’t true. We serve a God who’s ways, ALL His ways, are justice. And He is truth. In Revelation 1:8 we learn that God is the Alpha and the Omega, the beginning and the end, the One Who is, Who always was, and Who is still to come.
  4. God is Righteous. By definition, He is morally right or justifiable; He is virtuous. God doesn’t change; He’s always been righteous, and always will be.
  5. God is Upright. Strictly honourable or honest. Imagine knowing someone Who doesn’t — who can’t — lie; that’s God! If you’re looking for someone Who will always be honest with you, Who will never tell lies, Who places value on you, then look no further than our Heavenly Father. Psalm 23:1 tells us that God is our Shepherd; Psalm 121:3 reminds us that God will not allow our feet to slip; that He who keeps us will not slumber.

“He is the Rock, His work is perfect; For all His ways are justice, A God of truth and without injustice; Righteous and upright is He.” Deuteronomy 32:4

Monday

12

September 2016

Encouragement: Psalm 138:3

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encouragement encouraging psalms

Psalm 138 is one of the most encouraging psalms. Written by David, a man after God’s own heart, Psalm 138 is filled with some amazing truths.

“In the day when I cried out, You answered me, And made me bold with strength in my soul.” Psalm 138:3

One of David’s psalms, Psalm 138 is so encouraging and inspiring. It speaks of whole-hearted praise for God, worship of His Holiness, God’s lovingkindness and truth, the power of God’s Word, God’s ways, and so much more.

Perhaps my favourite verse from this Psalm of praise is verse 3, when David says: “In the day when I cried out, You answered me, And made me bold with strength in my soul.”

This verse tells me at least four facts:

  1. God is always there for me, I just need to seek Him. “When I cried out…”
  2. God’s answers prayers. “You answered me…”. It may not always how we think He will answer, or how we think He should answer, but God hears our prayers, and He answers our prayers. Thank you, Lord!
  3. God makes me bold. “You…made me bold.” We all know Proverbs 28:1, which tells us that “the righteous are bold as a lion”. True boldness comes from Christ. D.L. Moody once said, “When we find a man meditating on the words of God, that man is full of boldness and is successful.”
  4. God provides strength for my soul. “…with strength in my soul.” God is more than capable of bringing me through anything. I’m reminded me of one of the other encouraging psalms, with the incredible promise of Psalm 27:14: “Wait on the Lord: be of good courage, and he shall strengthen thine heart: wait, I say, on the Lord.” God will provide the strength you need for whatever you’re facing this week. Note it doesn’t say that He’ll remove the problem in front of you, but He will, HE WILL! provide the strength you need to come through it. Praise the Lord!

We serve an amazing God, and He longs to have a relationship with us, and to provide for us. If you’re looking for examples God’s goodness, check out any number of the encouraging psalms. Written by various authours who faced various challenges—and received various blessings—throughout their lives, the psalms are some of the most inspiring and incredible chapters of the Bible. All we need to do is cry out to Him! Wherever you are today, God is there for you, He will answer your prayers, He will make you bold, and He will provide you with strength for your soul! God is good!

 

Monday

5

September 2016

Monday Encouragement: Isaiah 58:11

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monday encouragement: isaiagh 58:11

“The LORD will guide you always;” Isaiah 58:11

Ah, Mondays. I find the first Monday of the month to be particularly inspiring. The promise of a new month and a new week brings with it a fresh start and renewed inspiration.

Also, — and perhaps the most, — inspiring? God’s promises, which are spread throughout His Word.

Like Isaiah 58:11, where we are reminded, “The LORD will guide you always; He will satisfy your needs in a sun-scorched land and will strengthen your frame. You shall be like a watered garden, And like a spring of water, whose waters do not fail.”

If you’re looking for encouragement or inspiration this week, look no further than the book of Isaiah. God’s got His hand on you, if you’ll put your trust in Him!

Friday

2

September 2016

Hope Reflected: Attributes of God, Part 1

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attributes of God

A.W. Tozer once said, “What comes into our minds when we think about God is the most important thing to us.” While I’ve yet to read all of Tozer’s Knowledge of the Holy, that quote really resonated with me. It’s true; how we think about God determines our measure of worship. This past Sunday at church, the speaker was talking about different attributes of God that we should recognize and acknowledge in our lives that will help to alleviate anxiety and create a more whole mindset in us. The way we think about God influences the way we go through life. Too often we get caught up in the day-to-day, worrying about tomorrow or our circumstances or other things here on Earth, when the reality is that we were put here on Earth to influence others for eternity.

There are several attributes of God found throughout scripture, however today I’d like to focus on three that have truly impacted my life:

  1. God is faithful. Psalm 86:5 tells us, “For thou, Lord, art good, and ready to forgive; and plenteous in mercy unto all them that call upon thee.” So many times throughout the Bible, we are shown examples of God’s faithfulness to those who trust in Him. A very realistic way to recall God’s faithfulness is to keep a journal of prayer requests and answers. Wes and I recently went through the first prayer list we ever made together, and it is incredible just how many of our prayers were answered specifically, and not just answered, answered exceedingly abundantly above all that we could have asked or thought. God is faithful! All we have to do is trust Him and commit our way to Him! “It is of the LORD’s mercies that we are not consumed, because his compassions fail not. They are new every morning: great is thy faithfulness.” (Lamentations 3:22-23)
  2. God is love. Not just loving, God is love. And I think we’d all agree that in this world in which we live, each of us could use more love. John wrote in his epistle of 1 John 4:8, “He that loveth not knoweth not God; for God is love.” We read a deeper definition of love in 1 Corinthians 13. Frequently referenced at weddings, the “love chapter” of the Bible was written by the apostle Paul. [For a fascinating history of the books of Corinthians and when Paul wrote them, check out Matthew Henry’s Commentary.] The King James Version of 1 Corinthians 13 refers to ‘love’ as ‘charity’. It was originally translated from the Greek word, αγαπη (agapē), or in Latin, “caritas”, which means ‘Christian love’. We are told in 1 Corinthians 13 that love, or charity, never fails. That’s God. He will not and cannot fail. When we trust in Him, that’s a promise. We are also reminded in Galatians 5:22 that love is one of the fruits of the Spirit; if we love God, we will live in love, joy, peace, gentleness, faith, etc.
  3. God is merciful. This attribute in particular is a great reminder to me. God loves me and has forgiven me, and sent His Son to die on the cross for my sins. I haven’t got what I deserve because I serve a risen Lord who, among other awesome attributes, is merciful. Psalm 103:8 says, “The LORD is merciful and gracious, slow to anger, and plenteous in mercy.” Notice anything in particular about that verse? God’s mercy is so strong that it merits two mentions. Often confused with grace, mercy pardons sin (whereas grace grants favour). God is plenteous in mercy; He has mercy enough to cleanse the sins of the world, should we choose to trust Him. We are promised in Isaiah 55:7 that if we forsake our sinful ways, and return to the LORD, “…he will have mercy upon him; and to our God, for he will abundantly pardon.” I love this quote from Arthur W. Pink: “He foresaw my every fall, my every sin, my every backsliding; yet, nevertheless, fixed His heart upon me.”

These are merely three of God’s amazing attributes. God’s demonstration of His faithfulness, love, and mercy in my life have molded me into who I am, and without God’s faithfulness, love, and mercy, I can’t imagine where I might be today. God’s attributes are parts of His character that help us to really understand Who He is. The truth is, we’ll never understand them all, but we can observe what the Bible tells us about Who God is, and believe it, and be encouraged.

 

Originally published as “Attributes of God, Part 1.” Minto Express. July 27, 2016: 5. Print.

Wednesday

31

August 2016

Wednesday Wisdom: Be Quick to Listen

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wednesday wisdom

“God gave us mouths that close and ears that don’t; that should tell us something.”

I’ve always loved this saying. How simple and how true. We were created with mouths that close and with ears that don’t!

It reminds me of James 1:19, where we are instructed to “take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to become angry.”

How many conflicts would each of us avoid in life if we followed these instructions? How many relationships would be improved if we took this advice? It’s a reminder that we can all use.

Be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to become angry.

 

Monday

29

August 2016

Monday Encouragement: 2 Timothy 4:17

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2 Timothy 4:17

“Notwithstanding the Lord stood with me, and strengthened me;” 2 Timothy 4:17

The beginning of a new week always brings with it a sense of freshness. While I’d love to say the start of a new week always brings along with it a renewed energy, that’d be a lie, because quite often on Mondays we wake up longing for the weekend past and not ready to get out of bed at an early hour. (Especially as the days are getting shorter, am I right?!)

That being said, I find encouragement in the words of Paul in his second letter to Timothy: “Notwithstanding the Lord stood with me, and strengthened me”.

Two things we quite often take for granted:

  1. The Lord stands with us,
  2. The Lord strengthens us.

There are some commentaries on the book of 2 Timothy that state that God provided Paul with courage and readiness. Heading into a new week, I can’t think of two qualities better fitted to equip us for the week ahead.

If you’re entering this week feeling discouraged, or down, or lacking the energy you think you need to make it through, meditate on God’s Word and promises. He will stand with you and strengthen you if you put your trust in Him.

“Notwithstanding the Lord stood with me, and strengthened me;” 2 Timothy 4:17

 

Friday

26

August 2016

Hope Reflected: The Importance of Being Original

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original

 

Wes and I love jazz. Diana Krall, Duke Ellington, Tony Bennett, Wes Montgomery; you name the artist, and chances are, we’ve got them in our playlist. Listening to a Diana Krall album last week, we were both struck by her ability to take a standard that’s been sung so many times before and make it her own. Krall has her own distinct delivery that gives her the ability to sing the same songs as other jazz artists, but to make them unique. She takes the influences that speak to her and infuses them into her music. Krall is an original.

We all collect and draw influences from our surroundings – people, music, movies, books, ideologies – and we live these influences out in our daily lives. Even what you eat can affect your mind! That’s why it’s so important to be conscious of what you allow into your heart and mind.

In a world of copycats, it’s not easy to be original. And let’s be real, is there anything that’s truly original anymore? King Solomon said in Ecclesiastes 1:9, “That which has been is what will be, That which is done is what will be done, And there is nothing new under the sun.” God is the original Creator of every single thing, and He created each of us uniquely in His image.

Why else is it important to be original?

  1. God created you to be you. Not your neighbour, not your best friend. God created you with a distinct purpose in mind, and you can’t achieve His purpose for your life if you spend all your time trying to be like other people. Luke 12:7 reminds us that “even the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Fear not therefore: ye are of more value than many sparrows.” If God knows the exact amount of how many (or how few) hairs are on your head, you can rest assured that He created you for a purpose that only you can accomplish and fulfill.
  2. You have a responsibility to draw from the Original Source. While there are many influences in the world, remember to draw your best influences from the Creator of everything: God. God is loving, and He is the Great Comforter. God provides peace, and only He can provide true joy in our lives. Philippians 4:8 says that “whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.” When we draw on God as the Original Source of all creation, we keep our focus on the right things in life.
  3. Others look to you as an Influencer. As much as you draw from the influences of other people, there are also other people who look to you as an influence in their lives. That’s another reason it’s so important to be conscious of the sources from where we draw our influences. 1 Corinthians 15:33 is a great reminder, “Do not be deceived: “Bad company ruins good morals.”” Who we allow to influence us and how we live our lives matters! Matthew 5:16 tells us “let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father Who is in heaven.” Being yourself is a big deal; you never know who is watching.

God created all the snowflakes unique, He is the Creator of every single thing, and all of His creations are original. Often overlooked, being original is very important. Be a voice, not an echo!

 

Originally published as “The Importance of Being Original.” Minto Express. July 13, 2016: 5. Print.