Wisdom for Wednesday - Growth

Hi there! I hope you're staying warm wherever you are. :-)

I'm glad you're joining us for...

 

This quote seems fitting for this time of year...reflecting on last year...thinking of the new year...

 

For me, the Lord brings to mind some questions (sometimes difficult to honestly answer):

 

Am I closer to Him now than I was at this time last year?

Have I grown spiritually or am I standing still?

Have I been obedient to all He has asked of me?

In what areas is He prompting me to grow?

 

There is one thing I know (and it would seem Charles Spurgeon knew as well) for certain in the area of spiritual growth. I must be moving forward on my Christian walk, ever closer to my Lord and Savior. If I'm not, I begin to "drift" away from Him and that is not what I want for my life. That's why it is important for me to honestly evaluate my growth (or lack of) and surrender to what the Lord asks of me. There may be growing pains...but they will be for my good. I can trust that!

 

How 'bout you?

Are you moving forward?

Standing still?

Be careful not to drift!

 

Wisdom for Wednesday - J-O-Y

J-O-Y

Down in my heart...

 

 

Deep, deep down in my heart...

 

Jesus put it there...

And nothing can destroy it...

 

I just love that song from when I was a kid. Every time I think of joy, I start to sing it! You should see the looks I get in public...just kidding. I will admit I have broken out into this song in class before and some of my students look at me as if I've grown two heads. Ha!

 

Anyway, I've always known there is a big difference between happiness and joy. Happiness is temporary. It can be with you one minute and gone the next depending upon your circumstances.

 

The joy of the Lord, however, goes deeper than our circumstances. It is based on Him and our relationship with Him...and just as this quote suggests...that kind of J-O-Y becomes our strength!

 

Now go ahead...sing the song...and don't forget the actions! ;-)

 

...the joy of the LORD is your strength.

Nehemiah 8:10

Wisdom for Wednesday - Faith Untried...

Hi there. Welcome back for...

 

I love this reminder when I am going through a difficult time. Spurgeon* goes on to say, "Faith increases in solidity, assurance, and intensity, the more it is exercised with tribulation."

 

May it be an encouragement to you today...or a coming day when you feel like you are being tried and tested.

 

That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ:

2 Peter 1:7

 

*Strengthen My Spirit by Charles Spurgeon, page 55