Today’s Reading: Psalms 123-125; 2 Thessalonians 3
Now may the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times and in every way. The Lord be with all of you” (2 Thessalonians 3:16 NIV).
Peace is something that seems a bit hard to come by these days. With a little baby in tow, I feel as if I’m always running from one thing to the next. Her waking hours are spent crying, and her sleeping hours are either a chance for me to catch a nap, or to catch up on the large amount of house hold chores that always needs to be done. This morning for instance, I heard my little one start to stir, so I jumped out of bed, threw on some clothes, washed my face, and started a load of laundry. I ran around like crazy, only to find that she wasn’t waking up after all, only talking in her sleep. That’s not peace if you ask me.
But where is peace then?
Peace is there when I take the time to seek it out. My life may seem new and hectic at times, but peace is still there, ready to be found.
Peace is found when my fussy baby finally falls asleep in my arms, and I look at her beautiful little fingers and toes. Peace is found when I step outside in my yard, and simply enjoy the feeling of the sun on my face.
Peace is found late at night, as I hold my little one close and she sucks away on her bottle.
Peace is found in my heart, even on the craziest of days, when my baby won’t stop crying, and my head is hurting like crazy.
Peace is found when I reach out to my Savior and ask Him to fill in the gaps in my life where I don’t measure up.
Peace is fond when I seek it.
Do you need peace in your life today?
Showing posts with label 2 Thessalonians. Show all posts
Showing posts with label 2 Thessalonians. Show all posts
Tuesday, October 5, 2010
Wednesday, September 29, 2010
Encouragement
Today’s Reading: Psalm 120-122; 2 Thessalonians 2
“May our Lord Jesus Christ himself and God our Father, who loved us and by his grace gave us eternal encouragement and good hope, encourage your hearts and strengthen you in every good deed and word” (2 Thessalonians 2:16-17 NIV).
Do you ever just need encouragement? Sometimes this life can be so hard. Sometimes the smallest word of affirmation makes all the difference in how my day goes. Just as words of criticism can tear me down, words of love can build me up so quickly. It’s so nice to hear that I’m doing something right in such a negative world. I’m so thankful for the family and friends in my life that take the time to remind me of this. Their words and hugs mean the world to me. What about you? Is there anyone in your life that encourages you? Whose heart can you encourage today?
“Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing” (1 Thessalonians 5:11 NIV).
“May our Lord Jesus Christ himself and God our Father, who loved us and by his grace gave us eternal encouragement and good hope, encourage your hearts and strengthen you in every good deed and word” (2 Thessalonians 2:16-17 NIV).
Do you ever just need encouragement? Sometimes this life can be so hard. Sometimes the smallest word of affirmation makes all the difference in how my day goes. Just as words of criticism can tear me down, words of love can build me up so quickly. It’s so nice to hear that I’m doing something right in such a negative world. I’m so thankful for the family and friends in my life that take the time to remind me of this. Their words and hugs mean the world to me. What about you? Is there anyone in your life that encourages you? Whose heart can you encourage today?
“Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing” (1 Thessalonians 5:11 NIV).
Tuesday, September 28, 2010
He Fulfills His Purpose
Today’s Reading: Psalm 119:89-176 ; 2 Thessalonians 1
“With this in mind, we constantly pray for you, that our God may count you worthy of his calling, and that by his power he may fulfill every good purpose of yours and every act prompted by your faith. We pray this so that the name of our Lord Jesus may be glorified in you, and you in him, according to the grace of our God and the Lord Jesus Christ” (2 Thessalonians 1:11-12 NIV).
Being a new mother, I feel as if I’m riding a continual emotional roller-coaster. Sometimes I’m filled with thanksgiving, other times I’m filled with worry. It’s such a great responsibility to raise a child. I often wonder if I’m doing anything right. And then I read verses like those above, and I’m reminded of how great my God is. He’s not a God who desires my life to be filled with strife in stress, but instead wants it to be filled with good and wonderful things. He wants to fulfill every good purpose in me life.
As hard as it may be to see at times, this time of my life really is wonderful. It’s filled with the wonder of a new life that depends on me so completely for her well being. It’s filled with a little life that has already changed my heart so drastically and completely, and all for the good. I’m so thankful that my God desires good in my life, and that He leads me gently when that “good” is hard for me to see.
“I cry out to the God Most High, to God, who fulfills {his purpose} for me” (Psalm 57:2 NIV).
“He fulfills the desires of those who fear him; he hears their cry and saves them” (Psalm 145:19 NIV).
What purposes might God be fulfilling in your life today? What can you thank Him for?
“With this in mind, we constantly pray for you, that our God may count you worthy of his calling, and that by his power he may fulfill every good purpose of yours and every act prompted by your faith. We pray this so that the name of our Lord Jesus may be glorified in you, and you in him, according to the grace of our God and the Lord Jesus Christ” (2 Thessalonians 1:11-12 NIV).
Being a new mother, I feel as if I’m riding a continual emotional roller-coaster. Sometimes I’m filled with thanksgiving, other times I’m filled with worry. It’s such a great responsibility to raise a child. I often wonder if I’m doing anything right. And then I read verses like those above, and I’m reminded of how great my God is. He’s not a God who desires my life to be filled with strife in stress, but instead wants it to be filled with good and wonderful things. He wants to fulfill every good purpose in me life.
As hard as it may be to see at times, this time of my life really is wonderful. It’s filled with the wonder of a new life that depends on me so completely for her well being. It’s filled with a little life that has already changed my heart so drastically and completely, and all for the good. I’m so thankful that my God desires good in my life, and that He leads me gently when that “good” is hard for me to see.
“I cry out to the God Most High, to God, who fulfills {his purpose} for me” (Psalm 57:2 NIV).
“He fulfills the desires of those who fear him; he hears their cry and saves them” (Psalm 145:19 NIV).
What purposes might God be fulfilling in your life today? What can you thank Him for?
Thursday, June 18, 2009
Love... always protects
To me, there’s nothing safer than feeling my husband’s arm around my shoulder on a busy street. When I feel his arm, I know that he’s looking out for me, and will make sure we get to our destination safely. I feel protected in those moments. I feel loved.
1 Corinthians 13:7 says that Love “always protects.” But what does this mean when it comes to marriage? What does protecting our marriages look like?
Around the time my husband and I were getting married, we watched several significant relationships end in divorce. It was a very sobering thing to watch during such a happy time in our lives. We have had many discussions since then on how we could prevent divorce from ever cropping up in our relationship. Still relatively new to marriage, we don’t have a full answer to this issue, but we do know that protecting our marriage is a good start.
Here’s a few areas that we try to protect on a daily basis:
Our thoughts: Keeping our thoughts pure, praying for God to banish thoughts that aren’t.
Our communication: Talking about everything, even the uncomfortable issues. Not allowing anger build up over time, but instead discussing our concerns.
Our spiritual life: Meeting together on a daily basis to read God’s word and pray. Encouraging each other in our walk with God.
Our free time: Intentionally spending time together. It’s easy to get caught up in the business of life, but we have found that our relationships thrives on simple things like a walk in the park or an ice cream run.
Our focus: We always strive to keep our eyes on God. He is the ultimate protector of our marriage.
What areas of your marriage need protected? Where does God need to mend some holes? God will provide dear ones in ways big and small.
I’ll leave you with a few verses on God’s protection. May you seek and find his help wherever you may need it.
Psalm 5:11
But let all who take refuge in you be glad; let them ever sing for joy. Spread your protection over them, that those who love your name may rejoice in you.
Psalm 32:7
You are my hiding place; you will protect me from trouble and surround me with songs of deliverance.
Psalm 37:28
For the LORD loves the just and will not forsake his faithful ones. They will be protected forever, but the offspring of the wicked will be cut off
2 Thessalonians 3:3
But the Lord is faithful, and he will strengthen and protect you from the evil one.
1 Corinthians 13:7 says that Love “always protects.” But what does this mean when it comes to marriage? What does protecting our marriages look like?
Around the time my husband and I were getting married, we watched several significant relationships end in divorce. It was a very sobering thing to watch during such a happy time in our lives. We have had many discussions since then on how we could prevent divorce from ever cropping up in our relationship. Still relatively new to marriage, we don’t have a full answer to this issue, but we do know that protecting our marriage is a good start.
Here’s a few areas that we try to protect on a daily basis:
Our thoughts: Keeping our thoughts pure, praying for God to banish thoughts that aren’t.
Our communication: Talking about everything, even the uncomfortable issues. Not allowing anger build up over time, but instead discussing our concerns.
Our spiritual life: Meeting together on a daily basis to read God’s word and pray. Encouraging each other in our walk with God.
Our free time: Intentionally spending time together. It’s easy to get caught up in the business of life, but we have found that our relationships thrives on simple things like a walk in the park or an ice cream run.
Our focus: We always strive to keep our eyes on God. He is the ultimate protector of our marriage.
What areas of your marriage need protected? Where does God need to mend some holes? God will provide dear ones in ways big and small.
I’ll leave you with a few verses on God’s protection. May you seek and find his help wherever you may need it.
Psalm 5:11
But let all who take refuge in you be glad; let them ever sing for joy. Spread your protection over them, that those who love your name may rejoice in you.
Psalm 32:7
You are my hiding place; you will protect me from trouble and surround me with songs of deliverance.
Psalm 37:28
For the LORD loves the just and will not forsake his faithful ones. They will be protected forever, but the offspring of the wicked will be cut off
2 Thessalonians 3:3
But the Lord is faithful, and he will strengthen and protect you from the evil one.
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