Encourage Yourself in the Lord

What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us? Romans 8:31(NKJV)

Confidence is something that YOU decide to have.  You learn about God...about His love, His ways and His Word...then ultimately you must decide whether you believe it or not.  You will not go forward until you decide to believe in God and yourself.  David found himself in a seemingly hopeless situation with no one to support him; he encouraged himself and strengthened himself in the Lord. The situation was later on turned around. (1 Samuel 30 1-30)  We cannot always wait for someone to come along and encourage you to be all you can be.  If you don't believe in yourself, who is going to?  God believes in you, and it is a good thing too: otherwise, you might never make any progress.  I know this first hand; I really suck at writing (on my own).  I could not believe what I was hearing "write a blog"  I had NEVER visited a blog or read one, in fact I am still learning how to navigate through "blogging". But I heard God’s soft still voice "I will be with you and I will give you the words". I had to have confidence in myself and in God's Word.  And remembering this scripture..."But Jesus looked at them and said to them, “With men this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.” Matthew 19:26 ....It wasn't easy but I stepped out and ....well here I am.

"Now David was greatly distressed, for the people spoke of stoning him, because the soul of all the people was grieved, every man for his sons and his daughters. But David strengthened himself in the LORD his God."  1 Samuel 30:6

Dear Heavenly Father, through the Holy Spirit I ask for continued encouragement and the patience and humble hearing of Your Word for Your Glory.  Thank You for your favor on our lives and the strength as enter a new and the unexplored.  Help us and guide us for what is pleasing to You Father as we continue to walk for glory every day and night.  In Jesus name....Amen!

Pray for Japan......

   The news has been on at our house constantly MSNBC, CNN, mostly or where ever footage of any latest news of Japan.  My hubby's extended family is from a Fukuoka, Japan.  It is on the southwest side of Japan.  Although the earthquake and Tsunami hit the Northeast side of Japan this really hit home with us.  The latest I heard as I walked out to leave for work was "100s of bodies washing up on shore", I gasped.  Those words rang in my ears all the way to work.  Fukushima and surrounding communities are not only having the challenges of aftershocks, complete destruction, missing, injured and death.  I cannot imagine loved ones washing up on the shore; I am so devastatingly speechless and saddened.  Arrive at work and saw that a second explosion at the nuclear power plant, now they are facing a possible nuclear disaster.  As bad as Chernobyl?!

I prayed....

“Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God that He may exalt you in due time, casting all your care upon Him, for He cares for you. Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour. Resist him, steadfast in the faith, knowing that the same sufferings are experienced by your brotherhood in the world. But may the God of all grace, who called us to His eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after you have suffered a while, perfect, establish, strengthen, and settle you.” 1 Peter 5:6-10 (NKJV)

    O Gracious Father,  ....I know and trust that You are with these survivors and that You will guide the rescuers and volunteers.  Give them strength, stamina, courage and grace to deal with all that they will uncover or discover.  Father, give them words and the wisdom to protect their people from the radiation.  Dear Lord, break the barriers of pride, so they can be honest and accept help.  Open the door for full disclosure and transparency in the condition and stability of the nuclear reactors and radiation that may or is a health threat.  Continue to bless this country with aid and the strength and resources to recover and healing.  In Jesus' name...Amen!