God is My Strength

Are you lonely?

Billions of people on this planet and so many of them are lonely.
What a sad state of affairs that our schedules are such that we don't have time to spend with each other.
What a terrible failure of technology that we're more connected than ever before and yet so disconnected.
What a disturbing glimpse of our society and of humanity that we let people live in isolation rather than reach out to them simply because we don't want to get involved.

I personally do not understand a people who are so wrapped up in political correctness, in not offending anyone or leaving anyone out, yet these same people shame anyone who says or does something that isn't in line with their mindset or beliefs.

So many people say they really don't have any friends.
In kindergarten (back in the day), it used to be so simple. I could go up to anyone and ask "do you want to be my friend?" And they would say "yes". Now, there are countless children who are being shamed by other children because of weight, because of how they dress, how they talk, etc. How does a six-year-old learn how to shame another six-year-old? I know the answer, but leaving it out there for you to fill in the blank.

If you're lonely or if you're not lonely, make a vow today that you will be the one to make a difference in another person's life. Make that vow today and each day after. Smile to a stranger, compliment a co-worker, ask an old friend out for lunch, make a phone call, not a text; not an email, make an actual voice to voice connection with another human being. Be the hero of their story.

So do not fear, for I am with you;

    do not be dismayed, for I am your God.

I will strengthen you and help you;

    I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.

Isaiah 41:10 (NIV)

Beyond Blessed

I was feeling a little sorry for myself this morning, a little depressed, bemoaning the difficulties in my life, and especially the stress, when this pillow decided to tumble down, break free of the mound of other pillows and land at my feet.
And I remembered...
I am truly beyond blessed. The little bumps and irritations in life are nothing compared to the vast amount of goodness, love, joy, grace, and mercy that God has given me.

"Ask and it will be given to you; 

seek and you will find; 

knock and the door will be opened to you. 

For everyone who asks receives; 

the one who seeks finds; 

and to the one who knocks, 

the door will be opened."

Matthew 7:7-8 NIV

 Ask Jesus into your life and see the change He will have on your life. Serve the Lord with all your heart and see the change He will make through you on others' lives.

Read the Bible in a Year Week 49

Week 49
Sunday, February 28                   Ezekiel 12:1 - 15:8
Monday, February 29                  Ezekiel 16:1 - 17:21
Tuesday, February 30                  Ezekiel 17:22 - 20:32
Wednesday, February 31             Ezekiel 20:33 - 23:4
Thursday, February 1                  Ezekiel 23:5-25:14
Friday, February 2                      Ezekiel 25:15 - 28:24
Saturday, February 3                  Ezekiel 28:25 - 32:16

Read the Bible in a Year Week 48

Week 48

Sunday, January 28                   Jeremiah 49:1 - 50:46
Monday, January 29                  Jeremiah 51:1 - 52:23
Tuesday, January 30                  Jeremiah 52:24 - Lamentations 2:22
Wednesday, January 31             Lamentations 3:1 - 4:22
Thursday, February 1                Lamentations 5:1 - Ezekiel 3:27
Friday, February 2                     Ezekiel 4:1 - 7:27
Saturday, February 3                 Ezekiel 8:1 - 11:25

Read the Bible in a Year Week 47

Week 47

Sunday, January 21                   Jeremiah 25:1 - 27:22
Monday, January 22                  Jeremiah 28:1 - 31:14
Tuesday, January 23                  Jeremiah 31:15 - 33:18
Wednesday, January 24             Jeremiah 33:19 - 36:32
Thursday, January 25                Jeremiah 37:1 - 40:16
Friday, January 26                    Jeremiah 41:1 - 44:30
Saturday, January 27                Jeremiah 45:1 - 48:47

The song of Moses

Daily Bible Verse

Exodus 15:2 (NIV)

The Lord is my strength and my defense;

    He has become my salvation.

He is my God, and I will praise Him,

    my father’s God, and I will exalt Him.