qotd Archives - Page 6 of 15

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.

Tuesday

1

August 2017

Hope Reflected | Humility

Written by H, Posted in Christian Living, Published Work

Humility

This week, as Wes and I were discussing the subject of humility and the many verses throughout the Bible that focus on the importance of being humble, I came across this acrostic from Living Free Indeed that is so amazing! I wanted to share it with you all along with some verses and thoughts on humility that really spoke to me.

H – Honouring God and others above yourself. “Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than themselves.” (Philippians 2:3) You may have heard the Ezra Benson quote that says, “Pride is concerned with who is right; humility is concerned with what is right.” It’s so true! Humility pays more attention to what is right rather than who is right; humility is not a public show where you try to make yourself look good. Humility means to honour God and others above your own self.

U – Understanding your need for grace. “When pride comes, then comes shame; but with the humble is wisdom.” (Proverbs 11:2) We all fall short – part of humility is recognizing this and means you’re willing – and you want – to perform personal inventory of your heart.

M – Mourning over your sin. “Good and upright is the Lord; therefore he instructs sinners in his ways. He guides the humble in what is right and teaches them his way.” (Psalm 25:8-9) We are all sinners. We all make mistakes, and for most of us, it happens several times each day! Part of humility is acknowledging and mourning our sin nature.

I – Illuminating God’s glory. “Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.” (Matthew 11:29-30) When we think of Jesus, we are quick to think of the Saviour of the world as filled with strength and power (which He is!). That being said, Christ is also meek, and humble. He humbled Himself in the ultimate way when He went to the cross and died for you and me.

L – Look for ways to serve others. “Serve one another humbly in love.” (Galatians 5:13) Rather than focusing on yourself, look for ways to serve others. As C.S. Lewis said, “Humility is not thinking less of yourself, it is thinking of yourself less.”

I – Ignore your pride and Satan’s lies. “Before destruction the heart of a man is haughty, and before honour is humility.” (Proverbs 18:12) Pride will get you looking at your life from a telescope while analyzing everyone else under a microscope. Pride will tell you that it matters who is right, not what is right. Pride will judge others rather than remembering that God sees the intentions of each heart.

T – Trust God’s plan over your own. “Humble yourselves before the Lord, and He will lift you up.” (James 4:10) God’s plan may not always make sense, and guess what? It’s not necessarily supposed to! (Isaiah 55:8-9) True humility means trusting God’s plan for your life, even when you don’t understand or only have just enough light for one step at a time. God sees the big picture; put your focus on Him.

Y – Yearning to worship. “If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and heal their land.” (2 Chronicles 7:14) Whether you like it or not, God created you, He created the world, and He is worthy of worship. We live in a broken world, and it’s only by putting our focus on Him that everything else comes in to perspective.

At first I questioned writing on the topic of humility, as Timothy Keller once said, “Humility is so shy. If you begin talking about it, it leaves.” But in our pursuit to live Christian lives, it’s important to remember the One Who so perfectly embodies true humility: “For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life as a ransom for many.” (Mark 10:45) Christ wants to meet you where you have a need. Look to the One Who humbled Himself more than anyone else in history, yet at the same time exhibited more strength than we could ever imagine.

Originally published as “Humility.” Minto Express, Independent Plus, Arthur Enterprise-News, Mount Forest Confederate. July 20, 2017: 7. Print. Web.

Monday

31

July 2017

Hope Reflected | Encouragement | Verses about God’s Guidance

Written by H, Posted in Christian Living, Encouragement

Looking for wisdom and trying to go the right way? Look no further than our forever compass, the Lord! These verses about God’s guidance are an encouragement whether you’re preparing to make a big decision, or you need a reminder of the constant presence of God. Look to Him and you can’t go wrong!

“And the Lord will guide you continually, and satisfy your soul in drought, and strengthen your bones; You shall be like a watered garden, and like a spring of water, whose waters do not fail.” Isaiah 58:11
“I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will guide you with My eye.” Psalm 32:8
“But if any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all men generously and without reproach, and it will be given to him.” James 1:5
“Teach me Your way, O LORD, and lead me in a smooth path, because of my enemies.” Psalm 27:11
“Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths.” Proverbs 3:5-6

Friday

28

July 2017

Hope Reflected | Through the storm

Written by H, Posted in Christian Living, Published Work

Through the storm

Sometimes in life it may seem as though you’re going through everything at once – professionally, personally, and internally – and it’s during times such as these, when you’re in the middle of the storms, that it’s important to remember that storms are only temporary. It is in the storms that we have the ability to grow the most – and to grow closer to God.

How many times have we read in the book of Exodus how God parted the Red Sea for Moses, allowing the Israelites to walk across on dry ground and cross to safety while being pursued by their enemies? We’ve heard the event shared time after time, and it’s easy to become desensitized to the significance of this account. “And Moses stretched out his hand over the sea; and the LORD caused the sea to go back by a strong east wind all that night, and made the sea dry land, and the waters were divided. And the children of Israel went into the midst of the sea upon the dry ground: and the waters were a wall unto them on their right hand, and on their left.” (Exodus 14:21-22)

Anything stand out to you about this selection of scripture? It says that God divided the waters of the Red Sea for the Israelites so they could cross to safety. Author Brad Wilcox puts it like this: “God did not remove the Red Sea, He opened it: He will help us find a way through our problems as well.” Sometimes we can hear a truth over and over again, but until it’s explained in the simplest of terms, we don’t understand the breadth of it.

God’s not necessarily going to remove our problems, but He has promised to help us through whatever storms we’re facing. God didn’t remove the Red Sea or eliminate it from the picture; He divided it and helped the Israelites through it.

Consider also how many times reading through the psalms that perhaps you’ve breezed over the sacred truth David wrote in Psalm 27:5: “for in the time of trouble He shall hide me in His pavilion; in the secret place of His tabernacle He shall hide me; He shall set me high upon a rock.” In the Old Testament tabernacle, the secret place of the tabernacle was sacred. Only the High Priest was permitted to enter the secret place of the tabernacle, and even then only once per year. Imagine the significance of David to say in Psalm 27:5 that in the time of trouble, God hides him in the secret place of His tabernacle!

What’s amazing is that David wasn’t the only one who could say this. In the time of trouble – and any time – God hides us in the secret place of His tabernacle. He wants to take us in and protect us; all we have to do is put our trust in Him. Whatever problems you’re facing and whatever storms you’re battening down to get through, you don’t have to face them alone.

You may be skeptical and think that it won’t make a difference if you put your trust in God. But consider this – God’s not worried about the storm because He controls it, so who better to trust in and focus on? “Then he got in the boat and his disciples followed him. Suddenly, a furious storm came up on the lake, so that the waves swept over the boat. But Jesus was sleeping. The disciples went and woke him, saying, ‘Lord, save us! We’re going to drown!’ He replied, ‘You of little faith, why are you so afraid?’ Then he got up and rebuked the winds and the waves, and it was completely calm. The men were amazed and asked, ‘What kind of man is this? Even the winds and the waves obey him!’” Rather than putting your focus on the furiousness of the storm, put your focus on the One Who controls the storm.

Originally published as “Through the storm.” Minto Express, Independent Plus, Arthur Enterprise-News, Mount Forest Confederate. July 13, 2017: 7. Print. Web.

Monday

24

July 2017

Hope Reflected | Meekness

Written by H, Posted in Christian Living, Published Work

Meekness

Sunday is a day that both Wes and I look forward to each week. Not only is it the start of a new week, the Sabbath brings with it an opportunity to rest, to receive Biblical teaching, and to fellowship with other believers. This past Sunday, we were blessed by the ministry of Tim Horne. Speaking on the subject of the Beatitudes, Tim shared from God’s Word about Christians cultivating the characteristics of Christ in our everyday lives.

If you’re not familiar with the Beatitudes, you can read them as part of Jesus’s Sermon on the Mount in Matthew 5:1-12. The Beatitudes are a list of blessings and characteristics that Jesus highlights, and as Tim explained, the Beatitudes are a portrait of Jesus.

One of the Beatitudes is that of meekness. Jesus tells us in Matthew 5:5, “Blessed are the meek: for they shall inherit the earth.” What does it truly mean to be meek?

Often, the virtue of meekness is associated with weakness (perhaps because the two words rhyme?). However, meekness isn’t weakness; it’s strength under control. From what I can see, Jesus is referred to (or calls Himself) meek at least ten times throughout Scripture. When you think about the definition of meekness, and what it means to embody the word, the references to Jesus as meek are very fitting. In fact meekness – for those living and looking to the Lord every day – is one of the essential expressions of a true Christian.

To be meek requires wisdom. “Who is wise and understanding among you? Let him show by good conduct that his works are done in the meekness of wisdom.” (James 3:13) When I think of the people in my life who I consider to be wise, I see them as great pillars of strength. American theologian Warren Wiersbe once said that “meekness is the right use of power, and wisdom is the right use of knowledge. They go together. The truly wise person will show in his daily life (conversation means behavior), that he is a child of God. Attitude and action go together.”

To be meek requires strength. “Now the man Moses was very meek, above all the men which were upon the face of the earth.” (Numbers 12:3) Moses was a strong man. Not only did he lead the Israelites out of Egypt and across the Red Sea, he also received the Ten Commandments from God. Meekness isn’t weakness; it’s strength under control. As Elder Ulisses Soares once said, “Being meek does not mean weakness, but it does mean behaving with goodness and kindness, showing strength, serenity, healthy self-worth, and self-control.” Never assume that loud is strong and quiet is weak.

To be meek requires humility and a teachable spirit. “The meek will he guide in judgment; and the meek will he teach his way.” (Psalm 25:9) Getting caught up in always being right, winning the argument, or always having the last word can be exhausting. You can find rest when you’re willing to learn. In one of my favourite Bible verses, Jesus provides encouragement when He says, “Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and you shall find rest unto your souls.” (Matthew 11:29) It takes courage to be humble, and the Lord blesses a teachable spirit. “…God resists the proud, and gives grace to the humble.” (1 Peter 5:5)

To be meek requires peacefulness. “And the servant of the Lord must not strive; but be gentle unto all men, apt to teach, patient, in meekness instructing…” (2 Timothy 2:24-25) Sometimes we confuse being peaceful with being a pushover, and that’s not the case. Part of being meek means that you don’t purposefully strive with others, and you don’t seek out arguments. That being said, being meek requires you to stand up for what’s right, and to address it if someone treats you wrong. After all, God doesn’t call us to be doormats but He does call us to live in love. “Put them in mind… to speak evil of no man, to be no brawlers, but gentle, showing meekness unto all men.” (Titus 3:2)

If you’re ever in doubt about the virtue of meekness, consider Jesus. As a mirror of the Beatitudes, His life is an example of meekness. To be soft and strong is a combination that few have mastered, but it can be done when you keep your focus on Christ.

Originally published as “Meekness.” Minto Express, Independent Plus, Arthur Enterprise-News, Mount Forest Confederate. July 6, 2017: 7. Print. Web.

Thursday

20

July 2017

Hope Reflected | Resentment

Written by H, Posted in Christian Living, Published Work

Resentment

The best navigation tool for our daily lives, the Bible is filled with several accounts that deal with resentment. As early as Eve, resentment has weaseled its way into many hearts throughout the years, including Job, Sarah, Jacob, Joseph, Saul… I could go.

The story of Joseph is a classic tale of resentment. Favoured by his father Jacob, all Joseph’s brothers resented him. It wasn’t anything Joseph did that caused these hard feelings, rather a reaction to their circumstances that caused Joseph’s brothers to have ill will against him. They were so bitter and resentful towards Joseph that they sold him, and told their father that he was dead. It’s a great example of how harbouring resentment can quickly get out of control if we don’t put ourselves in check.

Joseph’s brothers thought that by hurting him, they would cause Joseph to change his ways, and they also that hurting Joseph would somehow make themselves feel better and validated in their actions. And what happened? The exact opposite!

What I love about the account of Joseph is that no matter the difficulty or challenging circumstance (and he had several), Joseph refused to let resentment take root in his heart, and he continued to seek the Lord and to put Him first, no matter what. Joseph didn’t get angry or bitter with his brothers and he didn’t try to get revenge. In fact, he did quite the opposite.

While the Lord brought Joseph along a challenging – and ultimately an incredibly blessed – path, Joseph’s bitter brothers endured hardship after hardship, including a famine that brought them face to face with their younger brother once more.

When they were reunited and Joseph realized that it was his long lost brothers standing in front of him, do you know what he did? Rather than seek revenge, he showed his brothers love. He demonstrated the love of Christ by forgiving his brothers for every hurt they had caused them. And in turn, God brought them back together.

When someone wrongs you, or intentionally hurts you, rather than breed resentment by focusing on what they’ve done or how you feel, look above and put your focus on the Lord. God is in control, and He is well aware of every circumstance and challenge you’ll face in life.

In the face of resentment, when you choose God, there are many blessings.

God restores. “And the LORD restored Job’s losses when he prayed for his friends. Indeed the LORD gave Job twice as much as he had before.” (Job 42:10) It could be that someone’s hurt your heart, or maybe done something deliberately to get under your skin. Rather than resent them, pray for them as a first reaction. God hears our prayers, and nothing is impossible for Him! Sometimes the situation we think is impossible to fix is a none-issue in God’s eyes. Only God can heal the heart that’s broken and restore relationships – and He does, often exceedingly abundantly above all we can ask or think! (Eph. 3:20)

God renews. “But those who wait on the LORD shall renew their strength…” (Isaiah 40:31) Even in our weakest moments, even in the times when we say to ourselves (and sometimes others) “I can’t believe he did that!” and we let bitterness or resentment creep into our hearts, the moment we turn those feelings over to God, He will renew our spirit. David said in Psalm 51:10 “Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me.” To put it in perspective, David wrote Psalm 51 after he slept with Bathsheba. Nathan had just called him out for his sin, and David was feeling convicted. See what he did there? Rather than getting defensive or caught up, he confessed and asked the Lord to renew his spirit. And God did. He’ll do the same for you and me.

God reveals. “The Lord opens the eyes of the blind; the Lord raises those who are bowed down.” (Psalm 146:8) When you find yourself challenged with feelings of resentment, ask the Lord to reveal any wrongdoing in your heart and also in the heart of whomever you may be feeling resentful towards. God has a way of revealing our wrongdoings and convicting our spirits; we just need to have a tender heart to hear His voice. God will bless a teachable spirit. (Proverbs 13:18)

C.S. Lewis said that “to be a Christian means to forgive the inexcusable because God has forgiven the inexcusable in you.” Praise the Lord for His forgiveness! Wherever you’re at, and whatever you’re going through, we serve a God Who is bigger than any problem or any resentment you may have.

Originally published as “Resentment.” Minto Express, Independent Plus, Arthur Enterprise-News, Mount Forest Confederate. June 29, 2017: 7. Print. Web.

Friday

30

June 2017

Hope Reflected | Rest

Written by H, Posted in Christian Living, Published Work

Rest

The past week has been a rather frustrating one for me. Vestibular neuritis – also known as vertigo – has been providing me with all the feelings of dizziness, imbalance, headache, earache, and nausea, and as a result I’ve been spending a majority of my time horizontal (including as I write this). If you’ve ever had vertigo, you understand the sensation I’m writing about. And just when you start to feel like you’re getting over it, one sudden movement in the wrong direction sets you right back where you started.

Spending a week basically doing nothing but being still has afforded me with many hours to contemplate questions such as, “Why is this happening to me?” “What am I missing at work?” “Why does this have to happen right now?” “How long will this affect me?” and “What are you trying to tell me, God?” I asked Wes, my parents, and a couple of close friends the same questions, and interestingly enough, everyone said the same thing: “Maybe this is God’s way of telling you that you need to rest.”

Rest should be a natural part of our lives, but so often when we’re running through the motions of life, admittedly, we forget to take time to rest. Rest in each other’s company, rest in the company of those we love, rest in our home, rest in the miracles of God’s creation like the roses blooming in our front yard, or the birds nesting in the trees across our property. The Roman poet Ovid said, “Take rest; a field that has rested gives a beautiful crop.” We can’t give our best or properly serve if we don’t take time to rest.

This idea of rest brings to mind several Scripture references. It’s interesting to note that depending which translation of the Bible you read, sometimes rest is referred to as “wait”. To wait suggests that we need patience, and I’m not sure if that’s fitting, ironic, or both.

Here are ten Bible verses about rest that I hope will encourage and reassure you as you learn patience and seek true rest:

“The LORD will fight for you; you need only to be still.” Exodus 14:14
“Now then, stand still and see this great thing the LORD is about to do before your eyes!” 1 Samuel 12:16
“Rest in the LORD, and wait patiently for Him; do not fret because of him who prospers in his way.” Psalm 37:7
“Yes, my soul, find rest in God; my hope comes from Him.” Psalm 62:5
“You are my hiding place and my shield; I hope in Your word.” Psalm 119:114
“Even to your old age, I am He, and even to gray hairs I will carry you! I have made, and I will bear; even I will carry, and will deliver you.” Isaiah 46:4
– 9. “Come to Me, all you who labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.” Matthew 11:28-30

“Being confident of this very thing, that He who has begun a good work in you will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ.” Philippians 1:6

Christ alone is able to give us rest in every area of our lives. As A.W. Tozer once said, “You can’t truly rest until every area in your life rests in God.” Once you’ve started, it’s so easy to keep running that perhaps sometimes we just need a reminder to rest (free lesson in patience included).

Originally published as “Rest.” Minto Express, Independent Plus, Arthur Enterprise-News, Mount Forest Confederate. June 15, 2017: 7. Print. Web.

Wednesday

21

June 2017

Hope Reflected | What’s your focus?

Written by H, Posted in Christian Living, Published Work

What’s your focus?

At some point in each of our lives, we will visit a buffet-style restaurant. A test of will power and self-control, you may have experienced the sensation of having eyes bigger than your stomach, and over-filling your plate. You think you’re going to eat all this food in front of you, and then you hit a wall. Or, as it often happens when you eat too much, you actually start to not feel so great because you’ve over-indulged. You focus so much on the food in front of you that you forget to listen to your stomach.

Isn’t that so much like life? We think that after pursuing all of our dreams and wants we’ll be so much happier, so much more satisfied. “When I buy my dream car,” “When I complete my degree,” “When I get that promotion,” “When we buy that house,” “When we get married,” and the list goes on. The truth is, if you’re living in the mindset that achieving dreams and goals will make you a happier person, you’re setting yourself up for severe disappointment.

Please don’t misunderstand; having dreams and pursuing goals are both good and honourable – they’re part of a healthy mentality – however when you start thinking that you’ll be happier once you achieve your dreams and conquer your goals, that’s when you set yourself up for disappointment.

True contentment can only be found when you put your focus on God. Some people learn this early; some people learn it later; some people never learn. It is true however, what is written in Proverbs 15:16-17 “Better is a little with the fear of the Lord, than great treasure with trouble. Better is a dinner of herbs where love is, than a fatted calf with hatred.” You can be content with very little when you turn away from distractions and learn to focus on God.

When your focus is on God, He will bring you true joy and contentment. Not just for the good times, but for every season. Lest you think the temporary high of achieving earthly goals will sustain you, there are countless blessings when you choose to put your focus on the Lord. Focusing on the Lord will:

Provide peace. “You will keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on you, because he trusts in you.” (Isaiah 26:3) “Be still, and know that I am God.” (Psalm 46:10)
Relieve worry. “He will not be afraid of evil tidings; his heart is steadfast, trusting in the Lord.” (Psalm 112:7) We all worry. But has worrying ever done you any good? Only God can provide the reassurance each of us longs for. As Max Lucado says, “The presence of anxiety is unavoidable, but the prison of anxiety is optional.” God will help you break free of your worries. He even calls us to lay it all on Him! “Casting all your care upon Him, for He cares for you.” (1 Peter 5:7)
Breed contentment. “Now godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out.” (1 Timothy 6:6-8) We’ve all heard the saying, “Once you need less, you will have more.” God doesn’t call us to compare ourselves to others, to accumulate more material possessions, or to build our financial portfolios. He calls us to be responsible, He calls us to follow Him, and it’s only when we put our focus on Him that we shift our gaze from temporary earthly successes to what will truly count for eternity.
Inspire compassion. “Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God.” (2 Corinthians 1:3-4) The Golden Rule is do unto others as you would have them do unto you. When we put our focus on the Lord, we learn to look at the well-being of others rather than just ourselves. Compassion begins within, and it has a ripple effect.
Mold character. “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control. (Galatians 5:22-23) There are many notes on the developing of a man’s character. What’s undisputed is that character certainly starts within. When your focus is on the Lord, your character will show it. As John Wooden once said, “Be more concerned with your character than your reputation, because your character is what you really are, while your reputation is merely what other think you are.”
Change your heart. “Then I will give them a heart to know Me, that I am the LORD; and they shall be My people, and I will be their God, for they shall return to Me with their whole hearts.” (Jeremiah 24:7) One of my favourite Bible verses is Proverbs 21:1, which says, “The king’s heart is in the hand of the LORD, like the rivers of water; He turns it wherever He wishes.” When your focus is heavenward, your life will show it. Luke 6:45 tells us that “from the overflow of the heart his mouth speaks.” Only the Lord can change a heart, and when your focus is on Him, He will steer you in the right direction.

Originally published as “What’s your focus?” Minto Express, Independent Plus, Arthur Enterprise-News, Mount Forest Confederate. June 1, 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.

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qotd 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.

1

Hope Reflected | Humility

Originally published as “Humility.” Minto Express, Independent Plus, Arthur Enterprise-News, Mount Forest Confederate. July 20, 2017: 7. Print. Web.

31

Hope Reflected | Encouragement | Verses about God’s Guidance

28

Hope Reflected | Through the storm

Originally published as “Through the storm.” Minto Express, Independent Plus, Arthur Enterprise-News, Mount Forest Confederate. July 13, 2017: 7. Print. Web.

24

Hope Reflected | Meekness

Originally published as “Meekness.” Minto Express, Independent Plus, Arthur Enterprise-News, Mount Forest Confederate. July 6, 2017: 7. Print. Web.

20

Hope Reflected | Resentment

Originally published as “Resentment.” Minto Express, Independent Plus, Arthur Enterprise-News, Mount Forest Confederate. June 29, 2017: 7. Print. Web.

30

Hope Reflected | Rest

Originally published as “Rest.” Minto Express, Independent Plus, Arthur Enterprise-News, Mount Forest Confederate. June 15, 2017: 7. Print. Web.

21

Hope Reflected | What’s your focus?

Originally published as “What’s your focus?” Minto Express, Independent Plus, Arthur Enterprise-News, Mount Forest Confederate. June 1, 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.

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