Our return journey unfortunately was marred by an accident.  Not a big accident, but not a good situation.  We had travelled through white-out conditions on the major highways and turned onto a side road close to home.  This was where we encountered more heavy and blowing snow!  We could not see the road ahead and it took just seconds for us to realize we were sliding off the road!  We came to rest in a snow-filled ditch, and became well and truly stuck and the weather was not being kind!  The wind was almost gale force causing almost zero visibility. 

We called for help via our auto club and then had to wait.  We were told it could be as long as an hour or more!  We had no choice but to ‘hunker down’ and wait.

During the time we were entrenched in the ditch – we had so many offers of help from passing motorists.  Mostly offering to call for help!  Inquiring if we were hurt!  What could they do?  Their ongoing kindness and concern left us feeling less alone, in our awful situation. 

One man had suggested he try and pull us out with the use of a strap – but because we had called for a tow truck, we decided to wait for that.  However, as time dragged on and it was certainly not getting any warmer, when another gentleman came along and stopped; looked at our cars’ position in the ditch and reassured us that he’d be able to pull us out, we readily agreed to let him try.  He succeeded and then drove behind us for a while, making sure we really were OK!  How very kind he was!  How very thankful we were for his assistance and for all the other motorists who so readily offered help!  So many good samaritans!  

Luke 10:33-34  But a certain Samaritan, as he journeyed, came where he was, and when he saw him, he had compassion.  So he went to him and bandaged his wounds, pouring oil and wine and set him on his animal…….

We, thankfully, did not have wounds!  But the many good neighbors who stopped to offer help warmed our hearts, just as the good Samaritan in Luke’s story must have surely warmed the spirit of the injured traveller.

We are all called to be good neighbors to each other and the travellers who chose to stop and offer help to us were indeed good examples.  They all, despite the bitterness of the wind and cold, put our welfare first in showing such concern.  We were very thankful for each one.  And, in case you are wondering – yes, we did call the auto club and cancel the tow truck; in fact we did this as soon as we had been pulled back onto the road and found there was no further need for that service.

Prayer:  Father God, we were blessed by the many ‘angels’ you sent our way to help us in our time of need, and we pray your abundant favor and blessing upon each soul who showed concern for their neighbors.  Whether they realized it or not, they were choosing to be good neighbors to people they did not know; showing mercy because there was a need.  We are thankful for each one of them.  In Jesus Name, Amen

 Patricia Day

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It can be a very satisfying undertaking; the mixing and adding of good and active yeast, the kneading and then the ‘resting’ to allow the dough to rise.  This resting time enables the yeast to infiltrate the whole lump, making it lighter and more palatable after baking. 

Leavening, in this instance produces good and acceptable results.  A pleasure to anticipate and even better when tasted and then feasted upon.

Conversely, there is unsavory sin!  Liken it to bad yeast added to good ingredients.  It will contaminate the whole batch.  Just a tiny wrong, something we might think of as inconsequential, will have the same effect.  It will stay in our heart and spirit, spreading its imperfection and spoiling our character and image. 

Just a tiny transgression can easily increase beyond our control, becoming a habit and changing us from pleasant and acceptable beings into someone who is tainted by unpalatable behaviors and beliefs.  Beings that no good person wants to have any part of!

1 Corinthians 5:6 – 7a    Stop being proud!  Don’t you know how a little yeast can spread through the whole batch of dough?  Get rid of the old yeast!  (CEV)

Prayer:  Father God, let us stay very aware of good and evil.  Let us be wise and not be fooled into spoiling our characters by allowing immoral, greedy, proud or profane people into our social activities or any other part of our lives.  Let us be all that You desire of us; wholesome and acceptable in all our ways.  In Jesus Precious Name, Amen!

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There is nothing so difficult to live down than having our sinful self revealed to all.  We may not realize how frequently sin rears its ugly head.  I am reminded of an incident in my life several weeks ago.

I was feeling tired, frustrated with all that had to be accomplished, and most of all angry at the car parked in the driveway of the gas station.  For some reason, people had decided the space before the door to the convenience store was a new and acceptable parking space.  I do not understand it.  It is not even marked for parking, but there is always a car there.

On this night, another car was pulled up to the gas pump, so the space between the two cars was narrow.  About the time I was getting ready to drive between them, the driver of the car that wasn’t supposed to be there got out.  I still remember the poor guy’s face as I railed at him as I went by.

Even I was shocked by my outburst of wrath.  He was a young fellow, coming out of his car with a smile, but it didn’t last.  He couldn’t have helped but hear my tirade over his choice of parking.  The look on his face is still with me, for I know I caused the joy to leave it.  Maybe my sin pushed him into sin as well when he went home and took out his upset on someone else.

My only consolation was that I didn’t have to repent of cursing, but the words were nasty none the less.  I could have cried in shame and anger at myself, but my pride tried to excuse it, while my conscience condemned me.

Sin is never done in secret, for our Lord sees it all.  He even knows the motives of our heart. We can’t hide from Him.  Do you remember a famous Bible couple who tried to hide from God?  If you answered Adam and Eve, you would be correct.  They knew the instant they ate of the Tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil they were disobedient.

When their time with God came in the cool evening, they hid from Him.  This, of course, did not escape God’s notice, for in times past, can’t you imagine their joy in meeting Him at this special time.  God knew, but He called to Adam anyway.  Soon the sin was revealed.  From then on, everything changed.

Sin changes us and it changes those around us.  Adam and Eve were changed forever, as are we as a result.  Looking back to the Garden, I realize they must have remembered their sin after leaving the Garden.  Their lives were spent in toil and sorrow, and they always remembered why.

We remember our sin, but thankfully our Lord does not.  Consider the comforting words of 1 John 1:9, “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.”

King David of Israel knew what it felt like to be caught in sin.  His sin was very public, given that he was the King and a man and a child died because of it.  Yet he wrote these comforting words in Psalm 103:12, “As far as the east is from the west, so far hath He removed our transgressions from us.”

I rejoice that while I remember my sin, my Lord does not.  He has forgiven me and cleansed away the awful stench of it.  I am left with the memory of it; it keeps me alert to my sin nature and serves to act as a deterrent when I might be tempted to another outburst of wrath.

God is so good to us.  I praise Him for His mercy and grace, and pray that I might exhibit it to others when they wrong me.

“For the ways of man are before the eyes of the Lord, and He pondereth all his goings.”  Proverbs 5:21

Copyright © 2012 by Linda Hull of Words of Encouragement

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The bird bath in our backyard attracts a lot of wildlife.  Sitting outside one warm day, I watched in fascination as a wasp gently landed on the edge of the birdbath and began drinking the water; I’d never seen this before.  Then another wasp joined it, and another, and ‘Oh, my goodness’ pretty soon there were many, many more!  My fascination turned to mild alarm at so many of these ‘ornery’ insects so close to me.  There had to be a nest close by and they had found a refreshing ‘spring’ in our garden.

Sin or wrongs, can be a little like that. One by one, they enter our lives, initially not attracting our attention: turning a blind eye here, having a lax attitude there, letting one rule after another be bent, and changing a few morals from good to bad. But a day comes when we are suddenly aware of how many we have allowed into our lives.  We’ve allowed sins to multiply one by one, until we’re a welcome watering hole for them.

Jeremiah 29:11-12 For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope.  Then you will call upon Me and go and pray to Me, and I will listen to you.  (NKJV)

Only God can guide us and hopefully, the day will come when we realize that we have nowhere else to go but to God!  Nobody else can help or is willing to listen.  We are left trying to decide how we can ‘go ! What do we do next?  It is a place of despair, but we can be assured that if we will only ask God for His help and ask Him to guide all that we think, say or do, we will experience a refreshing in our hearts and spirits, that only He can give.  He will bring us to His ‘watering hole’ of truth and right-living.  He will let us know where we have gone wrong, and what we need to do about it.  This advice can be found only in the bible, it is God’s watering hole, and if we will only trust the words it holds for us, it becomes a refreshing place, where we will find comfort and sustenance for our dried-up spirits.

Prayer:  Father God, let us come to You and only You for our refreshing:  let us be wise in where and how we meet our internal needs because to choose unwisely will lead us to external disquiet and trouble.

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Praying God’s blessings and Peace and Safety to you, as you celebrate the birthday of Jesus Christ!  May you have the joy of family and good friends, around you this Christmas, and may there be many happy moments.

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What can I give my spouse?

What to give the children!

What to give friends and family!

Will it be a new guitar?  The latest electronic gadget on which to view, text and listen? Perhaps the latest video game?

It is so easy get ‘caught up’ in the buying frenzy expected of us by retailers.

The very best gift you can give is the story of Jesus!  Christmas after all, is the celebration of His birth.  He was born to bring us the gifts of peace, contentment and joy!  He wanted and still wants us, to share his unconditional love with others.  What greater gift is there?

Gift-giving is a beautiful way of sharing and showing our love with those nearest and dearest to us, but let’s not forget the true meaning of Christmas.  Let us remember to say, “Happy Birthday, Jesus”!

Let us invite and welcome Him into our hearts, minds and spirits.  Let us remember to thank His Father, God for all that He provides for us day by day. Let us keep Jesus in our hearts all year long, and each successive year of our lives.

Isaiah 9:6  For unto us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on His shoulders.  And He will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.  (NIV)

Prayer:  Father, when the worldly interpretation of Christmas overwhelms us, help us to not forget You, and Your gift of Jesus to us.  May we focus on what is important and beneficial to us and may we grow in faith and love.  Amen

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Psalm 118:24 – This is the day the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it. (NIV)

Woke up this morning — the sun is shining … the sky is blue with puffy white clouds … nice temperature, despite it being December! Rejoice!

Woke up this morning — the sun is shining … the sky is blue … the grass is dormant … the flowers are asleep. I won’t have to mow this week, nor water the flowers. Rejoice!

Woke up this morning — the sun is shining … the sky is blue … it’s cold and crisp.  But this, too, is a day the Lord has made, and I will rejoice!

Woke up this morning — it’s not raining. Rejoice! Praise the Lord!

Woke up this morning — the sun is shining … the sky is blue … the air is crisp and it bites the end of your nose;  winter is definitely here.. Rejoice!

Woke up this morning — it’s sunny, cold, and windy; it snowed overnight, and the driveway will have to be cleaned.  But I’ve got a warm home, warm clothes, food to eat, books to read, family and friends. And a snowblower. Rejoice!

Woke up this morning — the sun isn’t shining, but I look forward to the promise of spring. Rejoice!

Every day is a gift from God. Some days, it’s easier to rejoice than others, but God, who creates every day, also created us. He is our Father; we are His children and God has promised He is always with us. He loves us.  He knows our needs and He wants us to seek Him out. On those days when it’s hard to rejoice and God seems far away, who do you think has moved?

1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 – Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. (NIV)

Prayer: Dear God, help us to rejoice in each day, drawing ever closer to You. Amen

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There is a major house renovation going on close to where we live. Actually, it has been in progress for weeks and weeks – new roof, insulation, siding, windows, doors, sunroom and storage addition – a complete overhaul! I don’t know, because I have not seen inside, but I have to assume that there is a great deal of updating, repair and cleaning being addressed inside the home too: and I assume this due to the time it is taking to complete the work.

I recall when my husband and I, were looking for a home in this park, that we viewed one particular unit that was in a beautiful location, the price was amazing (it would have left a great deal of ‘spare’ cash for renovations) but the condition inside was nothing short of ‘disgusting’: how anyone could have lived in the home in the condition it was in, was beyond our comprehension.

We had agreed that we were willing to move into a house of our choice and do work while living there, but the filth and the updates needed in that particular house, were way too bad for us to even consider moving in and living there in – there was far too much to do to make it habitable.

When some people are challenged to give their lives to God and invite Jesus into their hearts, they recognize the truth that they have sinned before God. As a result, they want to clean up their lives before they issue an invitation to Jesus. They don’t yet understand that God comes into our lives to clean us up, precisely because we can’t do it for ourselves.

Isaiah 64:6a – But we are all like an unclean thing, and all our righteousnesses are like filthy rags. (NKJV)

The good news is that God loves us just as we are. So when we become willing to accept God into our lives, thankfully, He does not shun our dirty lives like we rejected that dirty home. He welcomes us and cleanses us. He does not leave us as we are, with our disparaging thoughts, our criticism of others, our idolatry of all things material, and all our major and minor sinful ways. This process is called “sanctification”.

 Isaiah 1:16 – Wash yourselves clean! I am disgusted with your filthy deeds. Stop doing wrong. (CEV)

Just as the house we viewed had much to clean up before being habitable, so God needs to clean up our lives, thoughts, and actions, so that we become a true reflection of His Son, Jesus, in our hearts, minds, and spirits.

James 4:8 – Come near to God, and he will come near to you. Clean up your lives, you sinners. Purify your hearts, you people who can’t make up your mind. (CEV)

Prayer: Abba, make us aware of all that is in our lives, our thoughts, and our deeds, that is unworthy of Your presence within us. Wash us clean, and renew our spirits and hearts so that we are wholesome, presentable, and welcoming to all who look at us and the ways that we live. We want to be acceptable to You and winsome to them. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

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I have just finished reading passages from my Bible and am now sitting here in front of my computer, ready to begin my daily routine of checking emails, my devotional websites and then I hope, continue on with my writing (I entered the National Writing Contest and am committed to write a minimum of 50,000 words through November).

It suddenly occurred to me how many times, during all these activities,  I have the need to hit the ‘refresh’ button; or the ‘delete’ button – and I really am truly thankful for them; after all my work would be far more time-consuming without them.  I can easily adjust my work and be sure it complies with my initial idea.

Whenever my fingers hit a wrong key I can immediately delete the error to erase it.  Whenever I linger too long and need  to bring my computer back from ‘standby mode’ – all I have to do is press the refresh button and voila - I am able to continue my work.

Thinking that, I am so glad that the times I sin, God does not look at me and decide that he needs to hit His ‘delete’ button, thereby erasing all that I am and strive to become for Him. 

I love that in the times we err in our bad-decision making or our plainly wrong behaviours, we can  approach Him in prayer, and ask His forgiveness and He will immediately ‘hit’ refresh, and we are ready to start again, with His grace. 

Prayer:  Abba Father, we know that we make mistakes – even though we try so hard to do the right thing  for Your honor and glory.  We thank you that you are a loving God, who disciplines without harshness.  We are so thankful that you continue to refresh us and guide us, even in the times, when You must often want to do the opposite.  Thank you for loving us just as we are.  In Jesus Name, Amen. 

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This morning, I was being thankful for the beautiful sunshiny morning; and all the while making comparisons with how I imagine heaven.  I thanked God for the beauty all around me and in the world He created,  while admitting too, that we are assured that it pales in comparison to heaven.

I was thankful that I received salvation all those years ago – and do not even want to imagine the emptiness of my life without His love and guidance in my life.

I was feeling very good about being so thankful – for so many things and then I read John 15:16-17 and my eyes teared and I was, momentarily, in awe that I was His choice – not He mine!

“You did not choose Me, but I chose you, and appointed you that you should go and bear fruit, and that your fruit should remain, that whatever you ask the Father in My name He may give you.  These things I command you, that you  love one another”.  (NKJV)

I felt humbled and amazed that I was important enough to Him, that He chose me to be one of His loved ones.  Being a part of His ‘family’ really does give me a sense of strength and peace inside: the emptiness you feel inside – when it feels as if there is a hole inside you that yearns to be filled, and yet you do not know how to fulfill that need; I can tell you – the ony way you can satisfy that inner craving is to fill it with God!  Worldly purchases – pleasure seeking – is all futile and so we waste our lives away, buying more and more stuff, which – once purchased or acquired – soon loses its’ appeal, I am sure you have found that out, or you are finding out right now.  I can assure you that only God can fill that inner need – it took me many years to find that out and truthfully, I regret ‘putting Him on the back burner” for so long, while I did things my way.

Prayer:  Father God – help us to give in and let You come in to our lives, to guide us – to love us and to show us how much more there is in life, when You are the leader.  Amen

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Many years ago a friend and I went to visit a young woman who had visited our church.  Since I was the young married women’s Sunday School teacher, I wanted to invite her to come to our class.  I was hoping to foster a new friendship and make her feel comfortable with our group of ladies.

Almost from the moment we walked into her home, I sensed her reluctance to talk about her life.  Innocent questions to break the ice were stiffly answered.  I was surprised because she had so willingly made the appointment with us.  The uncomfortable situation continued until we ran out of things to say and made our goodbyes.

Walking to the car, my friend and I tried to make sense of the disappointing conversation.  Despite her affirmation of a faith in Jesus, I was uncertain.  Something was wrong, but I didn’t know what it was.  All the way home, I felt that I should have shared the Gospel message.  I had not because I was uncomfortable.  To soothe my conscience, I resolved to visit again.

Unfortunately we were never able to make that visit.  She was killed in a car accident several weeks later.  When I read her obituary in the newspaper, I discovered she used to attend a church in another town.  Later, we learned she and her husband were divorcing.  I understood now why she was uncomfortable discussing her life.

I am hopeful that I will see this young woman again one day in our Lord’s heavenly kingdom.  For now, I am thankful that God used her to teach me the importance of being a faithful witness.  Instead of chitchat, we could have found common ground in Jesus.

The Apostle Paul knew the importance of always being ready to tell the Gospel message, and conveyed the exhortation in a letter to Timothy:

“I charge thee therefore before God, and the Lord Jesus Christ, who shall judge the quick and the dead at His appearing and His kingdom; preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine.  For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears; and they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables.”  2 Timothy 4:1-4 (KJV)

Let us take Paul’s exhortation to heart.  Right now, it’s open season for preaching the truth of God’s Word!  Let us be found faithful.

Copyright © 2011 by Linda Hull, Words of Encouragement

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 Psalm 51:1-2 – Have mercy upon me, O God, according to Your lovingkindness; according to the multitude of Your tender mercies, blot out my transgressions. Wash me thoroughly from my iniquity, and cleanse me from my sin. (NKJV)

 When God sees the need for us to be cleaned, His light, the Holy Spirit, convicts us that unnecessary sediment is present in our spirits and hearts, the remainder of all the wrongs we have committed. He pursues us continually in many ways. He puts His people in our path to get our attention, to speak to us, and help us to recognize where improvement is needed. He reminds us continually through His Word — if in fact we are actually checking the interior of the Book. He will keep reappearing in many forms, reminding us that it is time for change.

Yet, how many times we try to mask Him so that we can go on doing what we are doing — things that we know He would not approve of. It’s as if we are picking up a big, black marker and trying to obliterate Him from the eyes of our hearts and spirits. We do that in vain because His light will not be blocked, however hard we try to make it happen. He will continue to pursue each one of us and make us aware of His disciplines and His Way. His light will be ever present until we take notice and attend to what needs correction.

John12:46-48 – I have come as a light into the world, that whoever believes in Me should not abide in darkness. And if anyone hears My words and does not believe, I do not judge him; for I did not come to judge the world but to save the world. He who rejects Me, and does not receive My words, has that which judges him — the word that I have spoken will judge him in the last day.

Those who have received Christ need periodic cleanings, but others may need to confess their sins and receive Christ’s forgiveness for the very first time. Only when we choose to conform and repent and call upon God in the name of Jesus to help us and accept us and change us from the inside out, can we begin to understand what a difference His cleansing in our lives will make. It is a feeling beyond any other and cannot be adequately described by mere words — we’ve got to try it ourselves. Many years ago, He called me to change and to follow Him. Thankfully, He took over, and I had no control over the powerful spirit of love that wrapped itself around me. He walked me to the prayer rail of my (then) church, where I gave my life to Him. I have rejoiced in that action ever since. You can do it too!

 Prayer: Lord Jesus, I want to know You personally. I know that I have done wrong things in the past and I am sorry. I am willing, with Your help, to turn away from my sins and turn to You. I believe, Jesus, that You died for me and rose again for me. Please come into my life and change me and show me Your ways, right now. Amen.

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