Hope Reflected

Encouragement and Hope from God's Word

wednesday wisdom Archive

Wednesday

23

August 2017

Wednesday Wisdom | Attitude of Gratitude

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What if you woke up today with only the things that you thanked God for yesterday? | See more at hopereflected.com

“What if you woke up today with only the things that you thanked God for yesterday.”

This quote really resonated with me, and I was immediately convicted. It was the middle of the week, on a day where I hadn’t really taken much time throughout the day to be in conversation with God. This quote really spoke to me and reminded me of the importance of taking the time to give thanks, to express gratitude.

I’ve written before in my column about the importance of developing an attitude of gratitude, rather than getting caught up complaining about our circumstances.

What if you woke up today with only the things that you thanked God for yesterday? Can you imagine?

Take time today to thank the Lord for His goodness and His blessings. Take time to give thanks for the people in your life who care about you. The world would be a better place if we all took time to give thanks!

“Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good; for his lovingkindness endures forever.” (Psalm 136:1)

“What if you woke up today with only the things that you thanked God for yesterday.”

Wednesday

16

August 2017

Wednesday Wisdom | The Sovereignty of God

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Wednesday Wisdom | The sovereignty of God (See more at hopereflected.com)

“When you go through a trial, the sovereignty of God is the pillow upon which you lay your head.” C.H. Spurgeon

When you’re going through a trial, how well do you sleep at night?

When you’re trusting the sovereignty of God, you’ve got the most comfortable, reassuring pillow there is.

Sure, it’s easier to say than to do, but there are seemingly endless verses throughout the Bible about trusting God and His sovereignty. So what are you waiting for?

No matter what you’re facing, claim God’s sovereignty to get you through it. Don’t forget that He is in control — and that can be a real challenge at times, can’t it?!

In times of trials, focus on the Bible verses (or better yet, commit them to memory!) that remind you of God’s strength, His power, His care, and His sovereignty:

  • Cast all your anxiety on Him, because He cares for you. (1 Peter 5:7)
  • Bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who despitefully use you. (Matthew 5:44)
  • And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose. (Romans 8:28)
  • Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid. (John 14:27)
  • The LORD is my strength and my song, and he has become my salvation; this is my God, and I will praise him, my father’s God, and I will exalt him. (Exodus 15:2)
  • Seek the LORD and his strength; seek his presence continually! (1 Chronicles 16:11)
  • Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand. (Isaiah 41:10)
  • I can do all things through Christ which strengthens me. (Philippians 4:13)
  • …God who equipped me with strength and made my way blameless. He made my feet like the feet of a deer and set me secure on the heights. (Psalm 18:32-33)
  • But the Lord stood by me and strengthened me. (2 Timothy 4:17)
  • Rest in the LORD and wait patiently for Him. Do not fret because of him who prospers in his way, because of the man who brings wicked schemes to pass. (Psalm 37:7)
  • Be strong and of a good courage. Do not be frightened, neither be dismayed, for the LORD your God is with you wherever you go. (Joshua 1:9)

Remember, when you go through a trial, God’s sovereignty will be your rest. Keep your eyes on Him!

“When you go through a trial, the sovereignty of God is the pillow upon which you lay your head.” C.H. Spurgeon

 

Wednesday

15

February 2017

Wednesday Wisdom | A Firm Foundation

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firm foundation wednesday wisdom a purposeful life is built on a foundation more than mere possessions

“A purposeful life is built on a foundation stronger than mere possessions.”

A few weeks ago, my Wednesday Wisdom post resonated with many of you. I heard several comments from several readers who agree with the adage that “when you love what you have, you have everything you need”. An attitude of gratitude certainly is one of the components to a joy-filled life. On another, deeper level, we also have to realize that in order to live a purposeful (or purpose-filled) life, we need to build our lives on a foundation that’s stronger than mere possessions.

Life isn’t about how much ‘stuff’ you have; life is more than an accumulation of ‘things’. Each of us was created for a unique purpose, and until we start building on the foundation that God formed us and created us and has a plan for us, we’ll just be wandering through this life without real purpose.

You may think that love, or success, or even sunshine and warm weather, will help you live the life you want to live, however without the proper foundation, ultimately your life will amount to nothing. As we’re told in 1 Timothy 6:7, “After all, we brought nothing with us when we came into the world, and we can’t take anything with us when we leave it.” Your life is about more than mere possessions.

A purposeful life is built on a foundation stronger than mere possessions. What foundation are you building on?

 “Therefore everyone who hears these words of Mine and acts on them, may be compared to a wise man who built his house on the rock. And the rain fell, and the floods came, and the winds blew and slammed against that house; and yet it did not fall, for it had been founded on the rock. Everyone who hears these words of Mine and does not act on them, will be like a foolish man who built his house on the sand. The rain fell, and the floods came, and the winds blew and slammed against that house; and it fell—and great was its fall.” Matthew 7: 24-27

Wednesday

8

February 2017

Wednesday Wisdom | Trusting God

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trusting God

“Worrying is assuming that God doesn’t know what He’s doing.”

How many times has someone told you, “Don’t worry!” Two of the easiest words to say, am I right? The truth is though, that when we worry, we make the assumption that God doesn’t know what He’s doing. We let ourselves believe that we’re in full control. Quite often, we get so focused on our circumstances and controlling things, that we lose sight of trusting God and the fact that God’s in control.

David had it right in Psalm 62:8 when he said, “Trust in Him at all times, you people; pour out your heart before Him; God is a refuge for us. Selah” (Psalm 62:8) We are commanded to trust God at all times. Not sometimes, not occasionally, not just when everything’s going the way we think it ought it to; we are to trust God at all times.

Consider this: We serve a God Who can be trusted at all times. That truth alone should put our hearts at ease! Trusting God should be as much an encouragement to our hearts as it is a challenge.

 

 

Wednesday

1

February 2017

Wednesday Wisdom | Meekness isn’t weakness

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meekness isn't weakness; it's strength under control.

“Meekness isn’t weakness; it’s strength under control.”

I love this quote. Meekness can be defined in several ways, including gentle, humble, soft, or mild. Meekness is not weakness.

Just because you’re gentle, just because you’re humble, just because you’re kind— in no way does that mean that you are weak. In fact, I’d say quite the opposite. Meekness requires a great deal of strength.

Meekness requires strength to maintain grace and poise when others oppose you for standing up for what’s right; meekness requires strength to remain calm even though inside you’re not; meekness requires strength to have a heart and a spirit that are submitted and committed to living for the Lord.

Ephesians 4:1-2 says that we should “walk in a manner worthy of the calling to which you have been called with all humility and gentleness.”

“Meekness isn’t weakness; it’s strength under control.”

Wednesday

18

January 2017

Wednesday Wisdom | When you love what you have, you have everything you need

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love what you have

“When you love what you have, you have everything you need.”

In my column, “Some Habits Are Actually Good,” I talked about learning to be content with yourself. You learn contentment when you make the choice to stop comparing yourself to others and competing with others. The grass isn’t greener on the other side; the grass is greenest where you water it.

You learn contentment when you continually give thanks and practice an attitude of gratitude.

You learn to love what you have when you’re content.

So what does the Bible say about contentment and gratefulness?

  • “I know how to be abased, and I know how to abound. Everywhere and in all things I have learned both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need. I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” Philippians 4:12-13
  • “Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have, because God has said, “Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.” Hebrews 13:5
  • “But godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into the world, and we can take nothing out of it.” 1 Timothy 6:6-7
  • “Then he said to them, ‘Watch out! Be on your guard against all kinds of greed; life does not consist in an abundance of possessions.'” Luke 12:15
  • “In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.” 1 Thessalonians 5:18
  • “Know ye that the LORD he is God: it is he that hath made us, and not we ourselves; we are his people, and the sheep of his pasture. Enter into his gates with thanksgiving, and into his courts with praise: be thankful unto him, and bless his name.” Psalm 100:3-4
  • “So you shall rejoice in every good thing which the Lord your God has given to you and your house,” Deuteronomy 26:11
  • “The LORD has done great things for us; we are glad.” Psalm 126:3
  • “Oh give thanks to the LORD, for he is good; for his steadfast love endures forever!” Psalm 118:1

There are so many verses throughout the Bible about contentment and gratefulness. The key to contentment is living with an attitude of gratitude, and the key to loving what you have is learning contentment!

“When you love what you have, you have everything you need.”

Wednesday

11

January 2017

Wednesday Wisdom | Listen to Your Heart

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be yourself listen to your heart

“Do what you feel in your heart to be right, for you’ll be criticized anyway.” Eleanor Roosevelt

In her book, You Learn by Living, Eleanor Roosevelt provided many nuggets of wisdom, including the wise words to listen to your heart. A politician, diplomat, and activist, Eleanor Roosevelt was a great example of a strong woman.

When I was a child, my Mum always used to tell me to be myself, to do what I felt was right, regardless of what everyone else was doing. As a child, that’s hard advice to take, especially when you want to ‘fit in’. Looking back, I am so glad that I heeded her wisdom to listen to my heart and stay true to myself, even if it wasn’t ‘cool’.

No matter what you do, there is going to be someone out there who criticizes you, or thinks they know better, so why bother trying to be a people-pleaser when you can be the unique creation God intended you to be? Be yourself; there is no one else better suited. God created you with a unique purpose that only you can fulfill, so trust Him and listen to His leading.

There are several verses throughout Scripture that talk about the importance of what’s in your heart:

  • “Trust in the LORD with all thine heart, and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all your ways, acknowledge Him, and He shall direct thy paths.” Proverbs 3:5-6
  • “Delight yourself also in the LORD, and He shall give you the desires of your heart.” Psalm 37:4
  • “Keep thy heart with all diligence, for out of it spring the issues of life.” Proverbs 4:23
  • A good man out of the good treasure of his heart brings forth good; and an evil man out of the evil treasure of his heart brings forth evil. For out of the abundance of the heart his mouth speaks.” Luke 6:45

Don’t be afraid of what other people will think of you, just be yourself and listen to your heart; the only opinion of you that matters is God’s.

“Do what you feel in your heart to be right, for you’ll be criticized anyway.” Eleanor Roosevelt

Wednesday

14

December 2016

Wednesday Wisdom | Less is More: The Key to Contentment

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less is more once you need less you will have more the key to contentment

“Once you need less, you will have more.”

You’ve probably heard the old saying, “Less is more,” especially in reference to jewelry, makeup, and speech. Have you also taken time to consider the reality of this saying in our everyday lives? How much time do we spend running — from work, to church, to after-school sports, to extra-curricular activities — just running, from activity to activity, trying to appease and impress and fill our lives with… activity?

Since 2014, I’ve found myself struggling to slow down, to accept that it doesn’t make me any less of a person — or what I’m doing any less important — just because I’m not “busy” all the time. Maybe it’s because we’re connected with all our mobile devices that we feel some kind of obligation to literally be, always connected.

What would happen if we all took to heart the saying, “Once you need less, you will have more”? Just think about it; think about all the areas in your life that you could simplify and make room for the people and things that truly matter.

Less “stuff” means: Less to store, less confusion, less to organize, less to clean in your house. Less “stuff” means: More space, more peace of mind, more order, and more to enjoy.

Less “activity” means: Less running, less tired, less out all night.

Less “activity” means: More stillness, more rest, more home with family and friends that truly matter.

Truly, there is beauty in simplicity. Take the time to slow down, I preach to the choir. But seriously, I’m challenging myself to live, “Once you need less, you will have more”. I encourage you to do the same.

“Once you need less, you will have more.”

 

Wednesday

7

December 2016

Wednesday Wisdom: Guard Your Mouth and Your Tongue

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guard your mouth and your tongue

“Whoso keepeth his mouth and his tongue keepeth his soul from troubles.” Proverbs 21:23

Guarding my tongue can be a challenge. Evidently, I’m not the only one, as throughout the Bible we read of various examples of men and women who learned the importance of guarding their mouths and tongues. Often seen as a sign of wisdom, there is a quote that says, “Wise men are not always silent, but they know when to be.” It’s important to learn when to speak, and when to hold your tongue. It’s not always easy, but if you get in the practice of tasting your words before you speak them, guarding your mouth and your tongue gets easier. The art of knowing when to speak and when to hold your tongue, is a life-long learning process, I’m convinced.

Here are some verses that speak about guarding your mouth and thinking before you speak:

  • “Set a guard, O LORD, over my mouth; Keep watch over the door of my lips.” Psalm 141:3
  • “An evil man is ensnared by the transgression of his lips, but the righteous will escape from trouble.” Proverbs 12:13
  • “The one who guards his mouth preserves his life; the one who opens wide his lips comes to ruin.” Proverbs 13:3
  • “Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruit.” Proverbs 18:21

“Whoso keepeth his mouth and his tongue keepeth his soul from troubles.” Proverbs 21:23

Wednesday

16

November 2016

Wednesday Wisdom: Practice An Attitude Of Gratitude

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wednesday wisdom give thanks be happy attitude of gratitude

“It is not happy people who are thankful; it is thankful people who are happy.”

Sometimes it seems that people have this misconception that happy people are the ones who give thanks and practice an attitude of gratitude. Really though, it’s the reverse; people who practice an attitude of gratitude are the happy ones.

Take a few minutes today to count your blessings, and you’ll be surprised at how the day starts to look up.

I love this verse, found in Lamentations 3:22-23, “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.”

God’s mercies are new every morning and His faithfulness is great. Remember to take time to acknowledge everything He’s blessed you with. Take time to give thanks, to acknowledge all the blessings in our lives and the kind acts of others.

If you’re in the practice of keeping a journal, remember to note even the little things that happen in your life that make a difference. When you look back over your gratitude journal, you’ll be encouraged at the Lord’s goodness and provision in your life!

“It is not happy people who are thankful; it is thankful people who are happy.”

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