Strengthened by Yahweh

Strengthened by Yahweh

Linda Lesniewski
Prayer

A brief prayer in the memoirs of Ezra reveals a poignant concept about prayer. Ezra resided in Persia along with thousands of other misplaced Hebrews. His prayer praised God for what He had done. Ezra prayed, Praise Yahweh the God of our fathers, who has put it into the king’s mind to glorify the house of the Lord in Jerusalem, and who has shown favor to me before the king, his counselors, and all his powerful officers (Ezra 7:17 CSSV). This is a huge praise! The king of Persia (modern Iran) had given permission for Ezra and other Jewish leaders to return to Jerusalem and rebuild the city.

But this Doesn’t Make Sense, Lord!

But this Doesn’t Make Sense, Lord!

Linda Lesniewski
Faith/Trust, Obedience

Jeremiah, the prophet, only recorded two prayers in his book of prophecy. I especially enjoyed studying the occasion for one of those two prayers. God had asked him to do something that appeared incredibly illogical. Jeremiah obeyed, then wrote down his prayer. He began with a reminder to himself that the God who made the heavens and the earth could, obviously, do anything. Jeremiah then stated his question to God, “The Babylonians are outside the walls of Jerusalem and about to destroy everything and take us captive. Why, then, did you have me purchase this piece of property with silver near Jerusalem and record the transaction on a sealed scroll with witnesses?”

We’re No Accident

We’re No Accident

Linda Lesniewski
Praise, Prayer

King David brings a vulnerability to his prayers. We glimpse the heart of a poet as he pours out his thoughts to the Lord. I’ve spent several days meditating on the last verse of Psalm 138 and discovered great comfort. David confronted fierce battles once again. While fleeing from his enemies, he found solace in an important area of his understanding of God—God has a purpose for his life!

What’s a Parent to do?

What’s a Parent to do?

Linda Lesniewski
Faith/Trust, Prayer

I’ve begun a different type of journey-through-the-Bible. I’m studying each of the 222 prayers. Imagine, of all the prayers spoken through the ages, God selected these specific ones to record. I’m focusing on the types of things people prayed for and how God responded. It’s a rich and rewarding pilgrimage.ho

BLINK!

BLINK!

Jill Hendrix
righteousness

“Don’t blink,” said the technician at the ophthalmologist’s office. Bright flashes of light made it almost impossible not to blink. I thought, “How long will this last?”

SHUSH!

SHUSH!

Jill Hendrix
righteousness

Find the moon in the sky before dawn.

Allow the sun to nourish you.

Study the hues and tones of God’s chosen colors in a sunset.

Listen to bird conversations.

Feel the breeze.

Don’t work, don’t talk, just be still and listen.

Wait for renewal, strength and peace to be restored.

SNAP!

SNAP!

Jill Hendrix
Encouragement

Just like that –– our lives changed.

The fears and frustrations we feel are real.

We cope.

Our patience is tested.

We experience loss.

We regroup.

The Word of God, our unchanging foundation, remains the same and is true.

A Teachable Spirit

A Teachable Spirit

encouraging.com
Spiritual Growth

The young man sitting across the table confided, “When I was twenty-five, I thought I knew everything and was bullet proof. Nothing could hurt me, and no one could teach me anything. In the past few years I’ve discovered neither of those was true.”

The Rocking Chair

The Rocking Chair

encouraging.com
Anxiety

I sank into the overstuffed rocker and massaged my throbbing forehead.

For the past few days I’d been obsessing over a difficult situation. Not only did I think about it all day long, I woke up during the night to think about it some more. I kept chewing on the situation like a dog gnawing on a bone.

The Blueprint

The Blueprint

Emily Adams
Faith/Trust

As a young wife and mother, I thought I had the perfect blueprint for our family. My intention was to have two children. No more. Within a few years we had two wonderful little boys. When I learned that I was expecting baby number three, I was extremely upset.

Hang in There

Hang in There

encouraging.com
Prayer

“Hang in there” is an expression of encouragement in today’s world. It’s a way to say, “Don’t give up.” Recently, I needed to apply the hang in there concept to my prayer life.

Big Roy

Big Roy

Susan Partida
Encouragement, God's Character

I cannot wait to see Big Roy every morning when I wake up. He brings me so much pleasure and joy. He thrills me.

Lest I confuse you, no, my husband’s name is not Roy. Big Roy lives in my small garden outside my bedroom window. Big Roy is a tomato plant. His stature, seven inches tall when I planted him now reaches five feet a few short months later.

In My Way

In My Way

Susan Partida
God's Character, God's Word, Holy Spirit

I looked down at my text and laughed, “About to be in my way.” What I meant to say was, “About to be ON my way.” I had intended to let a friend know of my plan, but had inadvertently led myself to ponder my mistake.

In my way – how many times have I done just that – gotten in my own way of doing things God’s way?

Victory

Victory

Susan Partida
Challenge, Hope

In what do we put our faith? Do we put it in our health, our government, our family, our jobs, our financial status? While all of these may be worthy of thought and consideration, God’s Word tells us that the victory – true victory -- comes from Him.

The Responsibility to Encourage

The Responsibility to Encourage

Jan Burkhart
Encouragement, Salvation

As two young Chinese women walked down the street, they heard singing coming from a building. Believers had gathered and were praising God. The two women stopped and listened for a moment, and then moved on. One, however, was forever changed. From that moment on, she was drawn to the Lord. Her friend wasn’t. That friend heard the same singing, and yet, was unaffected. But the other began seeking the Lord and soon became a believer. This true story shows the power of the Lord to draw His own. It also shows the importance of the fellowship of believers.

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