All Circumstances, Lord? ALL Circumstances?

All Circumstances, Lord? ALL Circumstances?

By Shelly Burke, Editor

Give thanks in all circumstances.               1 Thessalonians 5:18

About 10 years ago my kids and I and my sister and her daughter went to southern Missouri, where our parents retired, for Thanksgiving. My other sister and her husband, from Canada, were there too. It’s the one time a year we’re all together.

From the beginning, the trip seemed jinxed. Cody and Morgan and I drove to southern Nebraska to pick up Becky and Logan, and we got a flat tire on the way. In the dark. On a cold, cold night.

We got to Kansas City at rush hour time, and somehow ended up going through KC instead of around it (sidenote: in all the years mom and dad have lived in Missouri, I think there has been ONE TIME I’ve gotten AROUND Kansas City…the rest of the trips I’ve somehow managed to go through part or all of it!) The low fuel light was on…and we were stuck in construction.

We stopped at the first gas station we came to and my sister’s comment, after we got on the road again, was “Let’s stop at a prison next time…the restroom would probably be cleaner than that one!”

Within hours of getting to mom and dad’s, Cody complained of a stomach ache and started vomiting. The next day dad took us for a ride in his boat and on the way back to their home Morgan threw up…in the back of their car…that they’d just started leasing. There’s not one picture of us all together that Thanksgiving because either Cody or Morgan were sick in bed the whole three days we were there.

Early in the morning of the day after Thanksgiving, Becky woke me up. “Logan isn’t feeling good. I think we should leave so we get home before you and I get sick…or we could be here for a long time.” (Mom and dad and my sister Deb and her husband Steve were glad we left...as we drove out they were throwing open the windows to air out the house, despite the temperature being in the low 30’s.) We loaded up the green-faced kids, mom gave us an armload of towels, and we started the 400 mile drive home.

We stopped 8 times in the first two hours, in a few parking lots…gas stations…and at least once on the side of the road. It was very long trip.

Give thanks in ALL circumstances Lord? What could I possibly be thankful for about that Thanksgiving trip?

As it turns out, many things. We were able to coast into town on the flat tire, and it only took AAA a little while to get there and change the tire. We didn’t run out of fuel in the middle of construction in downtown Kansas City. I hope I’ve been in have been in the filthiest gas-station restroom that I will ever be in. Although there’s not a picture of all of us together that Thanksgiving, we were all together!  Becky and I didn’t get sick until we were home…and dad (who had to preach in church that Sunday) didn’t get sick at all.

Of course, our circumstances on that trip were very minor compared to many things people face every day—a terminal diagnosis, the sickness of a child, the break-up of a marriage, loss of a job. But God’s command is the same: Give thanks in all circumstances.

What can we give thanks for during trying, terrible times? If nothing else, our faith. And we can be thankful for Jesus and His death that gave us life. Nothing, and no one, no circumstance, can take away our salvation. No matter what the outcome of anything you are going through, you are not alone. The Lord is with you. And believers will be with Him, for eternity. And that is something to be thankful for!

Read more by Shelly at www.nebraskafamilytimes.blogspot.com. 

The Teacher was Not Silent During My Test

By Shelly Burke, Editor

(Google Images) 

Recently I’ve been seeing this quote on Facebook: “Sometimes you can’t hear God’s voice during your trials. Remember, the teacher is always silent during the test.” The first few times I saw it I nodded and thought, “Oh, that’s nice.” But when I continued to see it, I thought more about it. And the more I thought about it, the more I realized that it’s most definitely not true, at least not in my life.  

During the last few years I’ve faced the biggest tests in my life when my marriage broke up--through no choice of my own!--and I moved to a new town. Through the tears, the heartbreak, and the decisions, God was there, right with me, every single day, every hour, every minute. Here’s how I felt His presence:

•  Through His Word, specifically the Psalms. When I couldn’t concentrate enough to read anything else, I could read the Psalms, especially the Psalms of Ascents, Psalms 120-134. Researchers have several theories as to why these Psalms were written, but regardless of who wrote them and why, their words of despair mirrored my own, and the words of hope lifted me up.
•  Worship. Just being in my church home, hearing the words of the pastors and partaking of the Lord’s Supper, surrounded by fellow believers and friends…the Teacher was not silent. I was especially blessed when I was able to visit my parents and hear my dad preach and take Communion with my whole family. I felt His presence, forgiveness and strength during these times more clearly than I ever have.
•  My friends. God has blessed me with so many friends, and He spoke to me through their prayers for me and with me, through their words of encouragement and support, hugs, cards, and just listening when I needed to talk.
• Answered prayers. I cannot count the prayers—some of them very specific--that God has answered during my test. After I moved it was necessary to find a job to support myself.  I prayed for a job or jobs that would be in town (I hate driving in bad weather), not too stressful (I hadn’t worked in nursing for several years and wasn’t up to date on “the latest” of anything), and flexible enough to allow me to continue publishing the Nebraska Family Times. He blessed me with not one but two part-time nursing jobs. And they’re not just “jobs”, but the jobs I’ve enjoyed most during my nursing career. And He answered a prayer I did not even pray—for new friends, Christian friends, at both of these jobs.

How can you hear from the teacher during your test?

God is always present, during every moment, good and bad. He is with you even if your actions were part “The Lord…will be with you; He will never leave you or forsake you.” (Deuteronomy 31:8) Here is how you can hear from Him.

(Google Images) 

of the cause of the circumstances in which you find yourself. Whether your test involves the death of a loved one, a scary medical diagnosis, family problems, financial issues, a marriage breakup, or anything else, He promises us, just as He, through Moses, promised Joshua and the Israelites as they were about to enter the promised land;

•     Study His Word. When you study the Bible you will develop a deeper relationship with the Lord. His Word will guide you away from at least some “test” situations (temptations), and it will guide you through tests and trials that are a part of life in this sinful world.
•     Prayer. When you spend time in prayer you will, again, deepen your relationship with the Lord. When you don’t know what to pray, remember that the Holy Spirit will do so for you; “For we do not know what to pray for as we ought, but the Spirit Himself intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words.” (Romans 8:26)
•    Listen for His “still, small voice.” God does not always speak in big, loud ways. He may speak to you through the words and actions of others, or through something seemingly small that brings you great joy. One day when I was missing living in the country, I came across a small, lone sunflower plant in a vacant lot, on my walk. It was unexpected…and showed me evidence of His love, yet again.
• 
  

            How have you heard from the Teacher during your test? 

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This article appears in the September issue of the “Nebraska Family Times.” It is my prayer that it encourages others during hard times; if you know someone who needs encouragement, would you share it with them? Thank you. To subscribe and receive articles “to inspire, encourage and motivate you in your Christian walk” every month in your mailbox,  click the button in the right sidebar.

A to Z Blogging...{Almost Caught Up!} X-Tra

X-tra

And God said, “Let the earth sprout vegetation, plants yielding seed, and fruit trees bearing fruit in which is their seed, each according to its kind, on the earth.” And it was so. And God saw that it was good…

Genesis 1:11-12, excerpted

I am amazed, at this time of year especially, all that the Lord has blessed us with.

He gave us plants, trees, fruit trees.

But not just one single kind of plant, or tree, or fruit.

He blessed us with many, many kinds of growing things. Just in a walk around my neighborhood I see trees bearing white flowers…pink flowers…bright pink flowers. I see flowers of every shape and color. When I go to the grocery store I have many varieties of fruit from which to choose.

The Lord could have given us just one kind of plant, one kind of flower, one kind of tree,  one kind of fruit.

But He did not.

He gave us an almost countless variety of growing things. And we are so very blessed that God gave us so much x-tra—so much more than we deserve or even need.

Thank You, Lord, for the x-tra you give us in variety. You have blessed us with so much; help us to appreciate Your love for us.

(I’m also blogging the A to Z Challenge at www.achristianmomsguide.blogspot.com. Check it out!)

A to Z Blogging Challenge -- R is for Refuge

Refuge

“But for me it is good to be near God;

I have made the Lord God my refuge, that I may tell of Your works.”

Psalm 73:28

God has been my refuge in the midst of the most difficult time in my life, during the summer of 2012 when my marriage was breaking up and I was starting over. It was more than good to be near Him; it was the greatest blessing I could have at that time.  I knew that He understood, that He had a plan for me, that He would never, ever leave me. When I could not concentrate to read or comprehend anything else in His Word, I could read the Psalms, including Psalm 73.

Have you made God your refuge today? Was He your first choice, or did you only turn to Him after texting your best friend or calling your sister or posting on FaceBook? Turn to Him first; as wonderful as your friends and family are, He offers even more comfort.

What works of His will you tell others of, to strengthen their faith?

I will share this and I hope it encourages readers. I needed a job after I moved out, and asked God for a job that met the following guidelines; in the town in which I was living (I hate driving in bad weather), relatively non-stressful (I had enough stress in my “real” life!), decent paying, and part-time so that I could continue publishing the Nebraska Family Times and writing if that was His will.

Several weeks later I read a want-ad and when I called the number I found that it fit every single one of my requests. After a few months I realized that it was a little too “part time” for me to meet my expenses…and then I found out about another part-time job that, as well as fitting the above requirements, would also fit perfectly into my life. The two jobs are the best jobs I’ve had in my nursing career!

But it gets even better...

A few months ago, I realized that God gave me something in both jobs that I hadn’t even thought to ask for: Christian friends who offered me the support and encouragement I needed during that very hard time. He knew what I needed and blessed me with it, even though I didn’t think to ask.

God truly is my refuge; it is so good to be near Him!

What works has God done in your life, that you can share to encourage others?

 If you’d like, comment below.

(I’m also blogging the A to Z Challenge at Home is Where the Mom Is. Check it out!)

A to Z Blogging -- N is for Near

Near

Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace,

that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.

Hebrews 4:16

Do you ever hesitate to pray about your problems, your fears, your mistakes, your concerns?

Do you doubt that the Lord understands?

Do you wonder if He can really forgive your sins? He H

Hebrews 4:14-15 tells us, “For we do not have a High Priest {Jesus} Who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one Who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin.”

So you see, He does understand.  You can draw near to him, knowing that He was tempted as we are; He did not sin but He knows how we feel and He shows us mercy and grace when we fail, no matter what our failures are.

Take comfort in drawing near to the Lord today; experience His mercy and grace no matter what your need. 

(I’m also blogging the A to Z Challenge at Home is Where the Mom Is. Check it out!)

A to Z Blogging -- B is for Beautiful

Beautiful

He has made everything beautiful in its time.

Ecclesiastes 3:11

Some things in life aren't beautiful at all. A health battle. A child going down the wrong path. The loss of a job.

When my marriage broke up it was definitely not beautiful. It was ugly. It was sad. It was – and is –the most UN-beautiful thing, the biggest disappointment and failure in my life.

Many days are still very hard, but after time I am seeing some beautiful things come out of the pain.

A much deeper faith and dependence on the Lord.

Wonderful new friends.

Jobs I love.

Most of all, the absolute knowledge that I am forgiven by the Lord, for every single sin. I am forgiven and free from the weight, the guilt, the ugliness of those sins.  

What could be more beautiful?

How have you seen God make a dark time in your life beautiful? 

Are you in a dark time in your life? Take a few minutes today to pray to God to show you even a glimpse of what is beautiful. And if you know a friend going through a hard time, show her a glimpse of beauty in sharing His love; send a card with His encouraging words, pray for her, send a grocery store gift card anonymously, share a hug.  

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(I’m also blogging the A to Z Challenge at Home is Where the Mom Is

Check it out!)

A to Z Blogging Challenge -- A is for Always

Always

I have set the Lord always before me;

because He is at my right hand, I shall not be shaken.

Psalm 16:8

What has shaken your world today?

Financial troubles? Illness? A troubled relationship? Worries about a loved one?

Set the Lord before you. Read His Word.  Talk to Him through prayer. Sing His praises.

Take heart; He promises that He is always at your right hand.  

How has the Lord been at your right hand?

(I’m also blogging the A to Z Challenge at www.achristianmomsguide.blogspot.com.

Check it out!)

I Can Do All Things Through Him Who Strengthens Me

Philippians 4:13

By Shelly Burke

From Google Images

~I~ I am the one who has to take responsibility for the things I need to do—no one else can.

~Can Do~   “Can.” Not “might” or “possibly could” or “can do the easy things” but can take the actions necessary. I might not like it, I might not want to do it, but I can do, with God’s help.

~All Things~ Not “some things” or “most things” or “the easy things;” not just “fun things” or “pretty things” but all things—the ugly things, the things that I never imagined I’d have to do, the sad things, the unfair things—all things that I need to do.

~Through Him~ Not by myself, but through Him, with His help—Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. We—God and I—will do it together.

~Who Strengthens~ I don’t have to feel strong; I don’t have to be strong. He will do the strengthening that allows and enables me to do what I need to do.

~Me~ He strengthens me when I need it. He cares enough to help me do what I need to do, when I need to do it.

Thank You, Lord, that You care enough about me and what I’m going through to give me the strength to do what I need to do. Thank You that I am not alone in anything I need to do. Amen.

“And He will give His Angels Charge Over You”…in a Burning Tractor

by Shelly Burke

from Google Images

I ask God to protect my loved ones every morning. Unless they are traveling, it’s usually a general prayer, something along the lines of, “Please keep them safe in everything they do today.”

I said that prayer, as always, one morning last week.

A few hours later, Tim sent me the picture below. He had been driving the tractor to fill in a hole in the road and noticed it was overheating. He drove it off the road (thankfully not near any grass as it’s VERY dry here), got out to open the hood and see if he could tell what was wrong, and saw smoke, and then flames.

Thankfully he’d grabbed his cell phone when he got out, so was able to call 911 immediately. It took the fire trucks about 20 minutes to arrive, and by that time the tractor was a complete loss.

Tim sent the picture to my cell phone, and I didn’t realize how serious the situation was until I sent it to my e-mail (I still have a non-smart phone with a tiny screen!). When I saw how completely the tractor was destroyed, I sat down and took a deep breath. The situation could have been tragic had Tim not gotten out when he did…had he not parked the tractor away from anything flammable…had not God’s angels been watching over him.

I said a heartfelt prayer of thanks—thanks that God protected my husband, and thanks that I don’t have to list every possible situation in which my family might need protection.  .  

“And He will give His angels charge over thee, to keep the in all thy ways.

They shall bear thee up in their hands, lest thee dash thy foot against a stone” (or burning tractor).

Psalm 91: 11-12

Thank You, Lord, for protecting my family, and especially for protecting Tim last week.  THANK YOU for giving your angels charge over those I love. Please guard everyone I love from every danger of body, mind or soul. Amen. 

A to Z Blogging Challenge "Zebras and Other Evidence of God's Love for Us"

“Zebras and Other Evidence of God’s Love for Us”

By Shelly Burke, Author and Editor

WOW—I can’t believe today is the last day of the A to Z Blogging Challenge! It has been a lot of fun! I’ve found some great new blogs and made some new online friends. The Challenge forced me to write and blog every day—on two blogs! After doing it twice a day (except for Sundays) I’m getting very good at posting on the new Blogger format and on Facebook as well. I’m thrilled to have more followers, too! I prayed that the A to Z Challenge would be successful for me and my businesses and it has been. I plan to continue to blog on a regular basis (not every day, but 2-3 times a week) so check back often or sign up for e-mail notifications whenever a new post appears.

This fun (and fake!) photo
is from www.jokeroo.com

The letter “Z” gives me the chance to write some thoughts I’ve had for a long time.

Anyone who has read this blog knows how much I love nature—sunsets, sunrises, the changing of the seasons, animals.

These things make me so grateful to God for His love for us.

Think about it: God could have given us one kind of tree. Instead, we have many different kinds, with different size, color, and shaped leaves.

He could have given us one kind of flower. Instead, we have flowers of many kinds, with different sizes, colors, shapes, and smells.

We could have just one “big” animal to look at, or one breed of dog, or one kind of cow. Instead, we have hundreds of different species.

He could have made the weather the same all over the world, every day of the year. Instead we have hot, warm, cool…rain, sleet, snow. Very dry areas, and tropical rain forests.

He could have made every sunrise and sunset look exactly the same…yet I’ve never seen two that are exactly the same.

We have almost endless variety in almost everything, throughout the world!

To me this is proof (as if I needed more proof!) that God loves us and wants us to enjoy life!

Today, take some time to enjoy the variety of nature…and thank God for loving us enough to give us such beauty and variety.

In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth…And God said, “Let the water teem with living creatures, and let birds fly above the earth across the expanse of the sky…Let the land produce living creatures according to their kinds; livestock, creatures that move along the ground, and wild animals, each according to its kind.” And God saw that it was good. Genesis 1:1, 20, 24

Thank You, Lord, for creating such variety and beauty in our world! Amen.

I’m also blogging today at Home is Where the Mom Is.

Today’s post is titled “Zoo…and Other Ideas for Summer Fun.” 

A to Z Blogging Challenge "Peace"

"Peace"

“In peace I will both lie down and sleep; for You alone, O Lord, make me dwell in safety.”

            Psalm 4:8

Does this ever happen to you? You go to bed, ready to sleep…and as soon as you turn off the light you begin to worry, fret, relive the negative parts of the day, worry some more, go over and over things you said and did, things you should have said and done, things you shouldn’t have said or done…

David, the writer of this Psalm, certainly had reason to fret and worry over his actions and decisions. 

• Saul, the king of Israel, became jealous and was trying to kill David (1 Sam. 19).
•  David and his men came back from a battle and found that their wives and children had been captured  (1 Sam. 30).
• There was fighting between the houses of Saul and David (2 Sam. 3). 
• He had committed adultery with Bathsheba and when she became pregnant David schemed to have Uriah, her husband, killed so that he and Bathsheba could marry and the adultery wouldn’t be discovered. As a result, the prophet Nathan told David that his son would die (2 Samuel 11). 
• David’s own son, Absalom, was plotting to kill him (2 Sam. 14) 

With all of this going on in his life, it’s amazing David got any sleep at all! But clearly he knew that God was faithful, had forgiven him, and would keep him safe, despite his sins. He was not able to only lie down, but to sleep, despite the turmoil in his life. And in Psalm 3:5 David says, “I will wake again, because the Lord sustains me.”  He is confident that he will not just lie down and sleep, but that he will wake again. .

When you lie down tonight, ask for forgiveness for your sins. Then you can sleep in peace, knowing that the Lord loves you, forgives you, and will sustain and keep you safe through the night.  

Lord, please let me feel Your presence tonight as I lie down to sleep. Give me the reassurance that you will keep me in safety and sustain me. Thank you! Amen.

I’m also blogging at Home is Where the Mom Is .

Today’s post will help you to “Prepare for Sick Days” for

yourself and/or your kids.

A to Z Blogging Challenge "Monitors"

 Monitors

David wrote, “For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother’s womb. I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made…When I was woven together…your eyes saw my unformed body. All the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be.” Psalm 139:13-16 (excerpted)

My mother-in-law recently had knee surgery and I sat with her as she was recovering after the surgery.

As a nurse I’m naturally interested in all of the monitoring devices—many things have changed since I was in school! Various devices monitored her oxygen level, blood pressure, and temperature.

A device collected her own blood from the surgical site; later her own blood was infused back into her body to help speed recovery. Although her oxygen level is fine, she is breathing extra oxygen through prongs in her nose; this has also been found to speed healing.

IVs administer antibiotics to prevent infection.

A device automatically moves the leg that was operated on to speed healing. A device on her other leg periodically squeezes it from toes to thigh to prevent blood clots from forming.

Special nerve blocks, in which medication was injected into nerves that lead to her leg and knee, should keep the surgical site free from pain for hours.

Lab techs come in to draw blood and check if her hemoglobin level drops too much.

All of this technology is necessary to monitor my mother-in-law’s condition and speed healing.

But for One, none of the monitoring is necessary. He was there when she was being knit together in her mother’s womb. He created her inmost being. He knows the number of hairs on her head and the number of days of her life has already been written in His book (Psalm 139).

He knows her temperature, blood pressure, pulse, oxygen level and hemoglobin level without the use of any machine. He has designed her body so that it will heal; the man-made devices will help speed healing but He has formed the cells, the fibers, the muscles that will actually heal, and He has set in motion that process that is more complicated than we can imagine.  

Despite all of the technology, the devices and tools to measure function and speed healing and prevent complications—we remember that He is the Great Physician. He is the true Healer.

I praise You, Lord, that I am so fearfully and wonderfully made. Even as we are thankful for “modern” equipment that helps us maintain and regain health, we know that You are the ultimate Healer. Amen.

I’m also blogging at Home is Where the Mom Is.

Check out the post today about “Making Preparations for Severe Weather

and Spiritual Storms.” 

Blogging from A to Z Challenge

Communicating with God

 By Shelly Burke

“O Lord, I call to You; hasten to me! Give ear to my voice when I call to You!” Psalm 141:1

When I want to communicate with friends or for business, I turn on my computer. After it gets all warmed up (it’s an old computer so takes a few minutes) I click on the e-mail program, enter my password, click a few more buttons and finally get my messages.

When I want to communicate the “old fashioned” way, I write a letter, address it (sometimes a time-consuming process if I can’t find my address book), stamp it and take it to the post office.

Communicating by phone is easier—as long as I have enough bars and am in close proximity to a cell tower (we live in a rural area where coverage can be spotty)—hit a few buttons (or just one if the person is on speed dial), get connected and hope the call isn’t “lost”.

After a day of frustrating communication attempts, I’m so thankful that I can talk to God in the most old-fashioned way of all—through prayer.

•  No passwords to remember.
• He is always “in range.”
• He never drops my call!
• His battery is always full—and He can recharge me!
• I never go over my minutes with Him.
• He is ALWAYS on speed dial—but I don’t have to remember a number or even press one button.
• I don’t need an envelope, address, or stamp.
• My prayers are never lost or returned for more postage.

 Lord, I thank you so very much that all I have to do to talk to You is…talk to You. I don’t even need the “right” words…if I don’t have them, You will give them to me.

I’m also doing the Blogging A to Z Challenge at www.achristianmomsguide.blogspot.com. Today’s post is all about “Caring for Your Spirit.” Check it out!) 

Off-Season Training

By Glynnis Whitwer

2 Timothy 3:16-17, “All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.” (NIV)

The temperature was pushing 100º Fahrenheit on that hot summer evening. Golden sunshine tinted the trees and shadows lengthened, as the lone runner caught my eye. He looked like one of the high school boys on my sons’ wrestling team. But what was he doing running now?

With wrestling season still months away, his dedication to training impressed me. Training in-season is common; training off-season, rare. And yet the off-season warriors consistently push themselves to their personal best, out-performing those who begin training in-season.

Readiness characterizes these highly trained athletes. They are ready at a moment’s notice to face the next opponent. Seldom surprised, they move with grace and assurance. Their discipline pays off when needed most.

I’ve watched this same principle lived out in the lives of godly men and women I’ve known. They apply themselves to spiritual training, are committed to learning God’s Word, and pursue a life of faith. Day in and day out, they discipline their minds and hearts to stay in alignment with the truth. They strengthen their devotion to Christ in spite of circumstances. They take false thoughts captive.

Then, when they least expect it, their training is called into action.

There’s usually no warning. It’s a phone call. A medical test. An email. In an instant, their “opponent” is raging. Fear, grief and despair threaten. But they aren’t overwhelmed.

Shaken? Maybe. But not devastated.

These past few years I’ve faced events that have shaken me. From losing our savings due to the economy to having kids make choices far from how they were raised, life has rocked me a few times. I’ve faced things I never thought I would face, and no one gave me a map to navigate the details of these circumstances.

In the darkness of these times, I’ve held on to what I know to be true in the light. When my flesh wanted to panic and run screaming like Chicken Little, God’s truth told me He will provide. When I wanted to despair that I’d lost my child forever, God wisdom reminded me that everyone sins. Without training, I’d have collapsed on the floor in a confused puddle of fear.

Being a woman of faith is easy when life is smooth. It’s easy to love others, be a good steward and make wise decisions when everything is going great. It’s when there’s no warning and a storm hits that we need to be well-trained.

No one can do this for us. We are the only ones who can study God’s Word. We are the only ones who can push through a dry season and spend time in prayer. We do this in-season (when circumstances are rough) and off-season (when circumstances are smooth), so that when the battles of life strike, we are ready.

The good news is you can start your training today. In fact, you already have by reading this devotion. Take time to read the Scriptures below and answer the questions. Pray and ask God what He wants you to learn. Ponder the truths you find and let them burrow in to your heart. Each time you do this, you’ll be stronger.

And when you face a battle, this discipline and training will pay off in peace, confidence and joy in spite of your circumstances.

Dear Lord, I praise You as the source of all truth. Help me to have the discipline to read and study the Bible on my own, so that I’m ready when faced with trouble. I ask for more of Your wisdom and discernment to build my life on a solid foundation.

In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Application Steps:
Identify one truth you’ve learned from the Bible that has helped you stay strong in the tough times.

Reflections:
What kind of mindset do we need to be able to train off-season?

How does knowing the Word of God equip us for “every good work,” as our key verse mentions?

Power Verses:
John 8:31-32, “To the Jews who had believed him, Jesus said, “If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples. Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” (NIV)

1 Timothy 4:7, “Have nothing to do with godless myths and old wives’ tales; rather, train yourselves to be godly.” (NIV)

Glynnis Whitwer is on staff with Proverbs 31 Ministries as the Senior Editor of the P31 Woman magazine. She is one of the writers of Encouragement for Today, the Proverbs 31 Ministries e-mail devotions, with over 350,000 daily readers. Her next book, I Used to be So Organized, will be released in August. Glynnis, her husband Tod, and their five teenagers live in Glendale, Arizona. Visit www.GlynnisWhitwer.com to learn more.

© 2011 by Glynnis Whitwer. All rights reserved.

This article appeared in the June issue of the Nebraska Family Times. To request a FREE sample copy of the Nebraska Family Times, e-mail shelly@shellyburke.net or call (402) 993-2467.

God's Circle of Life

The last few weeks have been filled with sadness and joy for me, after my two private duty patients died. We are so sad, because they are no longer here with us...yet we are so happy knowing they are in heaven, healthy and whole.

Yesterday my niece, Leighton, was baptized. Several weeks ago my sister asked Tim and I to be sponsors, and we immediately said "yes." What a joy to be asked to be part of her spiritual life!

During the service, as Tim and I, the other sponsors, and my sister's family were going up to the front of the church for the baptism, Tim pulled a piece of paper out of his jacket pocket. He looked a little startled and then showed it to me. My eyes immediately filled with tears; it was the funeral service folder for my grandfather, who died almost exactly a year ago. His picture is on the front of the service folder, and seeing his face reminded me that he, too, had been baptized many years ago...and because of that baptism and his faith, he was in heaven. And now as we brought Leighton to baptism, she, too, would enter God's kingdom when she left this earth, just as my patients had both been brought for baptism and now were in heaven.

I do not believe in coincidences...I believe that when things like this happen they are "God-incidences." I'm so thankful that God reminded me of His promise to my patients, to grandpa, to Leighton, to Tim and I and our children...to my friend who lost her daughter in a car accident...to another friend whose grandson died...to everyone who believes in Him...because of His love for us, and His sacrifice of His Son, Jesus, we will ALL have that promise of heaven.