best Bible quotes Archives - Page 2 of 2

Friday

4

August 2017

Hope Reflected | When you feel like you’re not enough

Written by H, Posted in Christian Living, Published Work

When You Think You’re Not Enough

Last week, Wes and I were talking about how sometimes in the most seemingly ordinary of circumstances or conversations, God works. It’s an interesting thing to think about, that even the most normal of people like you and I can be used for God’s glory.

We see so many times throughout the Bible where God takes completely normal – and often unsuspecting – individuals and uses them for His glory. Just this past Sunday at church, the speaker was talking about David, and how as a youth David was a shepherd and was skilled at using a sling to throw rocks. What to the average onlooker seemed like not a huge deal, – or even an underwhelming ‘talent’, – God used for His glory, to slay a giant, and to start David down the path to be king.

Too often we limit God. We think that our faults or insecurities are going to prevent or prohibit Him from using us for His service, when actually the opposite is true!

Consider Moses, a man who we read in Exodus 4:10 and 11 had some kind of speech disorder and wasn’t comfortable speaking publicly. God used Moses to lead an entire people – the Israelites – out of Egypt, across the Red Sea, and to scribe the Ten Commandments. For a man slow of speech and tongue, God raised him up to lead an entire nation.

Then there was Rahab, who had a career as a prostitute, and God used her to protect the Israelite spies in Jericho. Though her profession was questionable, Rahab demonstrated great faith and hospitality, and she was part of the lineage of Jesus Christ (her son Boaz married Ruth, and their son Obed was David’s grandfather).

The point is that God can – and loves – to use those who put their faith and trust in Him. You may think you’re too messed up, or that you’ve made too many mistakes, or that you can never move on because of your past choices; historically, God has a track record of taking those things that are broken and using them for His glory.

Jeremiah 18: 3-6 tells the story of the potter and the clay. “So I went down to the potter’s house, and there he was working at his wheel. And the vessel he was making of clay was spoiled in the potter’s hand, and he reworked it into another vessel, as it seemed good to the potter to do. Then the word of the LORD came to me: ‘O house of Israel, can I not do with you as this potter has done? declares the LORD. Behold, like the clay in the potter’s hand, so are you in my hand.’”

You may remember my column about the remnants, and it is true: Only God can take what is broken and make it into something brand new. As Wes says, “Broken eggs make great omelets.” God uses the broken flower bud to bring forth the new bloom; He uses the broken clouds to bring forth the rain; He uses broken ground to bring forth new crops; and He can your brokenness to prepare you for your future. All you have to do is put your trust in Him, and when you do, it’s incredible the fulfillment you will find. As A.W. Tozer once said, “How completely satisfying to turn from our limitations to a God Who has none.”

Originally published as “When you feel like you’re not enough.” Minto Express, Independent Plus, Arthur Enterprise-News, Mount Forest Confederate. July 27, 2017: 7. Print. Web.

Monday

19

June 2017

Hope Reflected | What is the blessing in adversity?

Written by H, Posted in Christian Living, Published Work

What is the blessing in adversity?

As we’ve all learned the past several weeks, nothing grows without rain. Sometimes, the same can be said of our own personal growth. Without adversity and challenges in life, we would not be who we are.

Last year, I wrote about what to do in the face of adversity, and lately Wes and I have been discussing the blessing in adversity. It’s human nature when we go through hard times or have to face challenges, to get discouraged and to get down. The hard truth to swallow is that in those times of adversity, we should learn and train ourselves to embrace adversity, to see the blessing in adversity.

What is the blessing in adversity? Adversity is an opportunity.

Adversity is an opportunity to reflect. “Examine me, O Lord, and prove me; try my mind and my heart.” (Psalm 26:2) Adversity offers an opportunity to reflect. It is thought that David wrote Psalm 26 during a very testing time – when he was fleeing King Saul and hiding out in the wilderness (for ten years, no less). Even at a time when he was fleeing for his life, David asked the Lord to examine him, and to try his mind and heart. Adversity offers an opportunity to reflect and question our own actions and motivations. What is God trying to teach us or to tell us? What can we learn from our current circumstances? Sometimes our own spiritual reflection is a way for God to reveal a misbehavior or bad attitude.
Adversity is an opportunity to get better and strengthen your faith. “My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing.” (James 1:2-4) Adversity is an opportunity to strengthen your faith – look at the Biblical examples of men and women who moved forward with faith, even when the odds were against them: Joseph, Joshua, and Ruth, just to name a few. “Those who wait on the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles, they shall run and not be weary, they shall walk and not faint.” (Isaiah 40:31)
Adversity is an opportunity to grow closer to God. “Call upon Me [God] in the day of trouble; I will deliver you, and you shall glorify Me.” (Psalm 50:15) David is perhaps one of the greatest examples of a man who would continuously seek after God, even in the most dire and desperate of circumstances. Over and over again in the Psalms, we read his testimony of God’s faithfulness. “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.” (Psalm 46:1) If you’re struggling in stormy seas, take your focus off the unsettled wind, sea, and rains, and put your faith in the One Who controls all the weather. You might be going through a season of adversity, and that’s no surprise to God. Look to Him.
Adversity is an opportunity to encourage others. “A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for a time of adversity.” (Proverbs 17:17) Have you ever had a friend who, no matter what, has been there for you; a friend who’s seen you at your worst, and still loves and encourages you? Going through adversity provides a great opportunity to encourage another soul who may also be going through a challenging time. In Galatians 6:2, we’re told to “bear one another’s burdens,” and adversity is an opportunity to do just that.

If you’re facing adversity, don’t be afraid. Remember, there is blessing in adversity. Dr. Charles Stanley puts it like this: “Adversity is not simply a tool. It is God’s most effective tool for the advancement of our spiritual lives. The circumstances and events that we see as setbacks are oftentimes the very things that launch us into periods of intense spiritual growth.” Adversity is an opportunity. “For My thoughts are not your thoughts, nor are your ways My ways,” says 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. For as the rain comes down, and the snow from heaven, and do not return there, but water the earth, and make it bring forth and bud, that it may give seed to the sower and bread to the eater, so shall My word be that goes forth from My mouth; it shall not return to Me void, but it shall accomplish what I please, and it shall prosper in the thing for which I sent it.” (Isaiah 55:8-11)

Originally published as “What is the blessing in adversity” Minto Express, Independent Plus, Arthur Enterprise-News, Mount Forest Confederate. May 18, 2017: 7. Print. Web.

Friday

16

June 2017

Hope Reflected | The Remnants

Written by H, Posted in Christian Living, Published Work

The Remnants

Wes and I appreciate the fellowship of our Christian friends, and one of our friends who has been of particular encouragement recently is our friend, Muriel. Muriel is always ready with an uplifting word and a cheerful spirit. Serving in a capacity that often goes unnoticed, Muriel works tirelessly in the background, creating clothing and preparing practical items to send to the less fortunate overseas. She ministers joyfully, using the remnants of fabric that people give to her to share God’s love and to provide for people who have nothing.

When we were talking to Muriel recently about remnants, she described how incredible it is that God often (and more frequently than we realize) uses the remnants of a situation for His glory. How true that is!

Consider perennial plants, such as the peony, for example. At the end of the summer season, after we’ve had the pleasure of enjoying the bright beauty of their elegant blooms, peony plants drop their seeds, and the following summer their blooms multiply into a whole new array.

In the Bible, there are many examples of how God uses remnants. There are pages upon pages of examples in both the Old and New Testaments of how God uses remnants for His glory and to show us living examples of His amazing attributes.

God’s faithfulness and righteousness | Noah. “So God blessed Noah and his sons, and said to them: ‘Be fruitful and multiply, and fill the earth.’” (Genesis 9:1) In the book of Genesis (specifically chapters 5-10) we read how God used Noah and his family and promised a blessing to them. After the flood, Noah and his family were the only humans left on the earth. God chose them, and He blessed them. They were the remnants of a wicked and depraved people, and God used a seemingly catastrophic situation – literally, the earth was destroyed by a flood – for His glory. The account of Noah and his family is a great testimony to God’s faithfulness and righteousness.
God’s grace and mercy | Mephibosheth. “So David said to him, ‘Do not fear, for I will surely show you kindness for Jonathan your father’s sake, and will restore to you all the land of Saul your grandfather; and you shall eat bread at my table continually.” (2 Samuel 9: 7) Mephibosheth was the only remaining member from Saul and Jonathan’s family, and David took him in and treated him as his own. A little background: David and Jonathan (Mephibosheth’s Dad) were best friends. David and Saul (Mephibosheth’s Grandfather) were mortal enemies (Saul persecuted David and is the reason that David spent more than 10 years fleeing and living in the wilderness). For David to take in Mephibosheth, Saul’s only remaining heir, to live in his house and to eat at his table, is a demonstration of God’s grace and mercy.
God’s loyalty and provision | Naomi and Ruth. “Ruth said, ‘Entreat me not to leave you, or to turn back from following after you; for wherever you go, I will go; and wherever you lodge, I will lodge; your people shall be my people, and your God, my God.’” (Ruth 1:16) After Naomi lost both her husband and her sons, Ruth committed to staying with her mother-in-law, even if that meant she’d be single for life and never marry again. As a result of her faith, Ruth ended up meeting marrying Boaz when she returned to the land of Canaan with Naomi. The account of Naomi and Ruth is an amazing example of God’s loyalty and provision in our lives, often “exceeding abundantly above all we can ask or think.” (Ephesians 3:20-21)

Maybe you think you’ve been through the storm and think God could never use you because of your past. Perhaps you think that you’ve wasted the best years of your life because of the decisions that you’ve made. Or maybe you feel cheapened or devalued by the treatment of others. No matter where life finds you, God uses the remnants. He is able to take the most devastating situation and use it for His glory. All you need to do is look to Him and put your trust in Him. As C.S. Lewis said, “Look for yourself and you will find loneliness and despair. But look for Christ and you will find Him and everything else.” He will be your Saviour and Redeemer, and He will make Himself real to you. You just have to let Him. All you need is faith – only God can restore what is broken and make it into something brand new.

Originally published as “The Remnants.” Minto Express, Independent Plus, Arthur Enterprise-News, Mount Forest Confederate. May 25, 2017: 7. Print. Web.

Monday

8

May 2017

Hope Reflected | Wisdom | 5 Characteristics of the Wise

Written by H, Posted in Christian Living, Published Work

Wisdom | 5 characteristics of the wise

“Be very careful, then, how you live – not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil.” (Ephesians 5:15-16) Defined as the “capacity of judging rightly in matters relating to life and conduct; soundness of judgment in the choice of means and ends; sometimes, less strictly, sound sense, especially in practical affairs,” wisdom has been sought after for ages.

The word wisdom is used 234 times throughout the Bible (54 times in the book of Proverbs alone). Wisdom is an incredibly important virtue that is imperative to living a fulfilling and godly life. People often confuse wisdom with knowledge when in fact the two are completely different. Knowledge is the gathering and learning of facts and information while wisdom is understanding which of those facts and pieces of information are true, and how those facts and information apply to one’s life. Ironically, Jimi Hendrix described the difference like this: “Knowledge speaks but wisdom listens.”

As Christians, we are called to seek after wisdom and pursue it. Throughout the Bible we read of several examples of wise – and unwise – men and women and the role that wisdom – or a lack thereof – played in each one of their lives. There are several telltale characteristics of a wise person:

Wise people heed instruction. “A wise son heeds his father’s instruction, but a scoffer does not listen to rebuke.” (Proverbs 13:1) Wise people accept constructive criticism and grow from it; they listen to the advice of their elders who’ve “been there and done that”. As my Mum once told me, “You can learn from your mistakes, or you can learn from the mistakes of others and then choose not to make the same mistakes yourself.” Wise people consider, and follow instruction. “Listen to counsel and receive instruction, that you may be wise in your latter days.” (Proverbs 19:20).
Wise people listen. “A wise man will hear,” (Proverbs 1:5), “The way of fools seems right to them, but the wise listen to advice.” (Proverbs 12:15) If you’re wise, you’ll take the time to listen. The struggle is real, am I right?! Sometimes everything in me wants to speak when really what I need to do is listen. If you’re struggling to listen, remember the old adage: “If you seek wisdom, be silent.” “Even a fool is counted wise when he holds his peace.” (Proverbs 17:28).
Wise people plan ahead. “Every wise woman buildeth her house: but the foolish plucketh it down with her hands.” (Proverbs 14:1) You’ve likely heard of the virtuous woman described in Proverbs 31. In Proverbs 14:1 we’re told of the wise woman who builds her house. At the time this Proverb was written, women were very involved in the managing and planning of their husbands’ estates (for more on this, read Proverbs 31). Whether you’re a woman or a man, if you’re living wisely, you’re working your best to provide for your family, to improve their lives, not just for now, but for the future as well.
Wise people encourage one another. “The lips of the righteous feed many: but fools die for want of wisdom.” (Proverbs 10:21) The book of Proverbs is filled with examples of guarding your tongue and thinking before you speak. Wise people encourage, exhort, and uplift those around them. They build others up rather than tear them down. They act with discernment and want to have good relationships (see also Proverbs 11:12).
Wise people work hard and save. “Through wisdom is an house builded; and by understanding it is established.” (Proverbs 24:3) You build up for yourself and for your family through wise and prudent management, and by working diligently. Proverbs 10:4-5 says, “He who has a slack hand becomes poor, but the hand of the diligent makes rich. He who gathers in summer is a wise son; he who sleeps in harvest is a son who causes shame.”

There are so many characteristics of people who are wise, perhaps most especially that they consistently pursue that very virtue. Charles Spurgeon once said that wisdom is “the right use of knowledge.” Use your knowledge to discern what is truly important in this world, and eternity. If you’re searching for wisdom, ask God. “If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, Who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him.” (James 1:5)

Originally published as “Wisdom | 5 characteristics of the wise.” Minto Express, Independent Plus, Arthur Enterprise-News, Mount Forest Confederate. March 16, 2017: 7. Print.

Monday

1

May 2017

Hope Reflected | 5 Reasons You Should Read the Bible

Written by H, Posted in Christian Living, Published Work

5 reasons you should read the Bible

One of the best pieces of advice I’ve ever received was to read my Bible everyday. Even if it was only a Psalm or Proverb, picking up God’s Word each day is just as important as eating. In fact, the Bible is food for the spirit. Without it, our spirits will starve. Just as you wouldn’t go driving off across the country without your GPS (or map if you’re old-school), neither should you start each day without first feeding from the Bible. The Bible is a compass for our spirits and nourishment for our souls.

2 Timothy 3:16 tells us that “All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness.” You may think the Bible’s not for you, or it’s not relevant for where you’re at in life or what you’re going through. On the contrary! More than any self-help book or how-to guide, the Bible is factually, historically, and scientifically correct and without error. If you’re wondering what the Bible could possibly do to help you, check this out:

The Bible provides practical answers to life’s questions. “If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, Who gives to all men liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him.” (James 1:5) Where do I turn when my heart is broken? Check out Psalm 34:18. What should I do when someone has hurt me? Read Matthew 6:14-15. Why does it seem like nothing I do is ever good enough? See Galatians 6:9. Where can I go to get help for my marriage? Head on over to Ephesians 5:22-33. What should I do when I’m worried? Read Philippians 4:6. I could go on. God’s Word is the place where you’ll find all the answers that you need.
The Bible provides strength and encouragement. “He giveth power to the faint; and to them that have no might He increaseth strength.” (Isaiah 40:29) Strength is mentioned more than 360 times throughout the Bible. King David relied on God’s Word for strength throughout his life, and even said as much in Psalm 119:28: “My soul melteth for heaviness: strengthen thou me according unto thy word.” If you’re looking for strength and encouragement, the Bible is filled with amazing truths that will strengthen and encourage you. A great place to start is in the book of Psalms or Proverbs.
The Bible provides proper perspective, clarity, and focus. “The entrance of Your words gives light; it gives understanding to the simple.” (Psalm 119:130) In some versions the word entrance is defined as unfolding; when you take the time to unfold and open God’s Word, He’ll provide you with proper clarity and focus. Reading the Bible is a great way to reflect, and the Bible provides you with the proper focus. Getting into God’s Word as the start to your day will put your mind in the right place to face the issues of the day; getting into God’s Word before you go to bed at night will clear your mind and help you sleep.
The Bible provides instruction and correction. “Blessed is the man whom You instruct, O LORD, and teach out of Your law, that You may give him rest from the days of adversity.” (Psalm 94:12) If you’re looking for a guide for your moral compass, the Bible is it. God’s Word provides instruction and guidelines on every topic, from child-rearing and best business practices to managing your finances and maintaining healthy relationships. The Bible also provides correction – be prepared when you read the Bible that it’s not for the faint of heart (see Proverbs 15:32). The Bible tells the truth, and calls wrong wrong and right right.
The Bible provides the truth. “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. All things were made through Him, and without Him nothing was made that was made. In Him was life, and the life was the light of men. And the light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not comprehend it.” (John 1:1-5) There is no other “holy” book out there that contains the scientifically or historically accurate facts that the Bible does. Don’t believe it? Look at the scientific calculations in the Bible, review the detailed prophecies shared in the Bible, and check the historical accounts that the Bible details. All the details are accurate. The Bible is truth.

In essence, the Bible is God’s love letter to you and I. It shares of this world being created, how you and I came to be, and how God sent His only Son to die on the cross to save you and I from our sins. Whether you like it or not, you and I are the clay; He is the potter (Isaiah 64:8). When you take the time to get into God’s Word, He’ll speak to you through it. Don’t take my word for it; read the Bible for yourself! “For the Word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.” (Hebrews 4:12)

Originally published as “5 reasons you should read the Bible.” Minto Express, Independent Plus, Arthur Enterprise-News, Mount Forest Confederate. March 23, 2017: 8. Print.

Friday

10

February 2017

Hope Reflected | The Cure for Loneliness | 3 things to do when you feel alone

Written by H, Posted in Christian Living, Published Work

At some point in life, each of us feels alone. Perhaps it’s physically, emotionally, or even spiritually. You may feel like there’s no one out there who gets what you’re going through, as though there’s no one out there who understands what you’re thinking or feeling, or as though you’re the only one who’s been there before.

As a child, in gym class – my least favourite class, btw – when we’d be playing dodge ball, or another “team building” game, group captains were assigned to create teams. Each captain got to choose who would be part of his or her team. And there was always someone who was the last to be selected. There were similar situations in class, when students were asked to form groups. There was always someone who didn’t get chosen to be part of a group.

Perhaps you feel like no one wants you to be on their team, or no one wants you to be part of their group. Maybe you’re single and you feel like you’re never going to meet “the one”. Maybe you’re an empty nester whose children are off at college or university. Maybe you’re a senior who feels isolated and misses family or like you’re constantly saying goodbye to people who are passing away into eternity. Maybe you’re someone who has plenty of friends yet still struggles with feelings of loneliness.

You don’t have to be alone to feel the force of loneliness. If you’re feeling isolated, or as though no cares or understands where you’re at or what you’re going through, take heart! There is a cure for loneliness, and steps you can take to overcome your feelings of loneliness.

Admit that you’re lonely. “Casting all your care upon Him, for He cares for you.” 1 Peter 5:7 The first step to overcoming loneliness is admitting that you’re lonely. Tell the Lord how you feel; there’s no one who will understand more deeply. Jesus Himself experienced the anguish of loneliness. We read about the most public display of His loneliness and agony when He cried out, “Eli, Eli, lama sabachthani?” that is, “My God, My God, why have You forsaken Me?” (Matthew 27:46) But if we’re being real, Jesus’s loneliness on earth started long before He went to the cross for us. He spent His whole earthly life as an outsider – the only sinless man living in an entirely sinful world – Who came to redeem our sins and eradicate any feelings of loneliness and heartache we could ever experience.
Enjoy the presence of God. “You will show me the path of life; in your presence is fullness of joy; at your right hand are pleasures forevermore.” Psalm 16:11 If you’re feeling lonely, take a cue from David, who, arguably, experienced more loneliness and heartache throughout his life than any of us ever will. Wherever he was at, David claimed God’s promises and declared that being in the presence of God was the fullness of joy. When feelings of loneliness flood your heart and mind, get into God’s Word; train your thoughts on Him; talk to Him. Learn to enjoy the presence of God. We are promised in James 4:8, “Draw near to God and He will draw near to you.” When you feel alone, remember that there is One who truly cares for you.
Reach out. “Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others.” Philippians 2:4 A long time ago I heard the advice that in times of loneliness or anxiety, we should “Stop looking in, and start looking out and up.” Those are wise words. When you’re feeling lonely, reach out! It could be as easy as picking up the phone and calling someone you love, or getting involved with a local Church group or Bible study. Also, if you’re not feeling lonely, why not reach out to someone who is or who could use a friend? Visit the elderly or send a handwritten note of encouragement.

At some point in life, each one of us experiences the feelings of loneliness. C.S. Lewis once said, “Look for yourself and you will find loneliness and despair. But look for Christ and you will find Him and everything else.” Just remember, you are never truly alone; Jesus Christ longs to have a relationship with you, if you’ll put your trust in Him.

Originally published as “The Cure for Loneliness: 3 things to do when you feel alone.” Minto Express, Independent Plus, Arthur Enterprise-News, Mount Forest Confederate. February 2, 2017: 7. Print.

Friday

7

October 2016

Hope Reflected: What is the Fear of the Lord?

Written by H, Posted in Christian Living, Published Work

Psalm 111:10 and Proverbs 9:10 both state that the “The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom:”

There are many references to the fear of the Lord throughout the Old and New Testaments of the Bible but what does it really mean to fear God?

This question is one that Wes and I have been discussing over the past week. It all started when we were talking about unreasonable fears, otherwise known as worries. As humans, we so often get caught up in fearing the future, what’s ahead, how a situation is going to turn out, or things we have no control over. We have fears here on earth, and then God commands us in Scripture to fear the Lord. So what does the fear of the Lord really mean?

The fear of the Lord really takes us out of the equation. To put it simply, having a fear of God means not thinking more of ourselves than we ought to, and recognizing that the Lord is the only one who can save us from eternal damnation. He controls EVERYTHING. Not just the entire world, but the entire universe, and even galaxies and things that we know nothing about. Our redemption is nothing that I can do, or think, or say, or overanalyze; no, the fear of the Lord means honouring Him as our rescuer and salvation.

As Christians, we should have a healthy viewpoint of the fear of the Lord. The fear of the Lord is not a bad thing; it’s a good thing! It’s like true love: You cannot truly love someone without being vulnerable. How else can we fully comprehend the extent of God’s love for us if we don’t first have a fear of Him?

The Bible is filled with examples of the fear of the Lord. Think about the true story of Joseph in Genesis, or Moses (and all points in between) in Exodus. Think about Paul’s inspired words throughout Romans and his letter to the Corinthians, and John throughout his epistles.

I love how R.C. Sproul describes the fear of the Lord in his article, “What Does it Mean to Fear God?” He says, “If we really have a healthy adoration for God, we still should have an element of the knowledge that God can be frightening. ‘It is a frightening thing to fall into the hands of the living God’ (Heb. 10:31). As sinful people, we have every reason to fear God’s judgment; it is part of our motivation to be reconciled with God.”

When we have an understanding of the fear of the Lord, it should put things into perspective and set our priorities correctly here on earth. It makes it easier to remember (easier, not easy), that whatever you’re facing in front of you is never bigger than the God inside you.

Originally published as “The Fear of the Lord.” Minto Express. Fergus-Elora News Express. August 24, 2016. 5: Print.

Wednesday

5

October 2016

Wednesday Wisdom: God Never Hurries

Written by H, Posted in Christian Living, Wednesday Wisdom

“God never hurries. There are no deadlines against which he must work. Only to know this is to quiet our spirits and relax our nerves.” A.W. Tozer

When circumstances just don’t seem in my favour, or when I wonder why God’s making me wait, it always helps to remember that God’s timing is perfect. As A.W. Tozer said in his book The Pursuit of God, “God never hurries. There are no deadlines against which he must work. Only to know this is to quiet our spirits and relax our nerves.” We may not understand God’s timing, but when we rest in the fact that His timing is perfect, we’ll be filled with a peace only our Saviour can provide.

It’s a good thing to wait on the Lord, and it is a good thing to rest in Him.

Here are some verses that remind us of God’s perfect timing:

“Wait on the LORD: be of courage, and he shall strengthen thine heart: wait, I say, on the LORD.” Psalm 27:14
“Rest in the LORD, and wait patiently for him: fret not thyself because of him who prospereth in his way, because of the man who bringeth wicked devices to pass.” Psalm 37:7
“I waited patiently for the LORD; and he inclined unto me, and heard my cry.” Psalm 40:1
“Say not thou, I will recompense evil; but wait on the Lord, and he shall save thee.” Proverbs 20:22
“The LORD is good to those who wait for him, to the soul who seeks him.” Lamentations 3:25
“I will wait upon the LORD…” Isaiah 8:17
“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
“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.” Isaiah 55:8-9
“But as for me, I will look to the LORD; I will wait for the God of my salvation; my God will hear me.” Micah 7:7
“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

Wednesday

28

September 2016

Wednesday Wisdom: Get into God’s Word

Written by H, Posted in Christian Living, Wednesday Wisdom

“Whatever keeps me from my Bible is my enemy, however harmless it may appear to be.” A.W. Tozer

God’s Word is perhaps the greatest earthly gift we will ever receive. It’s a compass for everyday living, an encouragement when we’re down, and an instruction manual with details on how to deal with life.

If you’re someone who’s not accustomed to practicing devotions on a daily basis, I encourage you to seek out the Bible and its wisdom each and every day. Make time each day to get into God’s Word. Even if you just start with a Psalm or a Proverb, make the effort to read something from the Bible each day. You won’t regret it!

David said in Psalm 119:105, “Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.” When we go out in the world with God’s Word as our guide, He will provide light for our steps and direct our paths. Tozer said that whatever kept him from his Bible was his enemy, because he realized the crucial importance and impact of the Bible in his life. God’s Word is not just a way to to get to know more about God; it’s a way to know God.

“Whatever keeps me from my Bible is my enemy, however harmless it may appear to be.” A.W. Tozer

Newer Entries →

best Bible quotes Archive

4

Hope Reflected | When you feel like you’re not enough

Originally published as “When you feel like you’re not enough.” Minto Express, Independent Plus, Arthur Enterprise-News, Mount Forest Confederate. July 27, 2017: 7. Print. Web.

19

Hope Reflected | What is the blessing in adversity?

Originally published as “What is the blessing in adversity” Minto Express, Independent Plus, Arthur Enterprise-News, Mount Forest Confederate. May 18, 2017: 7. Print. Web.

16

Hope Reflected | The Remnants

Originally published as “The Remnants.” Minto Express, Independent Plus, Arthur Enterprise-News, Mount Forest Confederate. May 25, 2017: 7. Print. Web.

8

Hope Reflected | Wisdom | 5 Characteristics of the Wise

Originally published as “Wisdom | 5 characteristics of the wise.” Minto Express, Independent Plus, Arthur Enterprise-News, Mount Forest Confederate. March 16, 2017: 7. Print.

1

Hope Reflected | 5 Reasons You Should Read the Bible

Originally published as “5 reasons you should read the Bible.” Minto Express, Independent Plus, Arthur Enterprise-News, Mount Forest Confederate. March 23, 2017: 8. Print.

10

Hope Reflected | The Cure for Loneliness | 3 things to do when you feel alone

Originally published as “The Cure for Loneliness: 3 things to do when you feel alone.” Minto Express, Independent Plus, Arthur Enterprise-News, Mount Forest Confederate. February 2, 2017: 7. Print.

7

Hope Reflected: What is the Fear of the Lord?

Originally published as “The Fear of the Lord.” Minto Express. Fergus-Elora News Express. August 24, 2016. 5: Print.

5

Wednesday Wisdom: God Never Hurries

28

Wednesday Wisdom: Get into God’s Word

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