Words To Encourage

HOPE for 2012 and ALWAYS

Bonnie Ferris — Tue, 17 Jan 2012 16:55:54 +0000

The hope that the world offers is fleeting and imperfect. The hope that God offers is unchanging, unshakable, and unending. It is no wonder, then, that when we seek security from worldly sources, our hopes are often dashed. Thankfully, God has no such record of failure. So, as you embark upon the next stage of your life's journey, praise God, have hope, and consider the words of the Psalmist: "You are my hope; O Lord GOD, You are my confidence" (71:5) ~ Finding Hope

TODAY'S PRAYER

Bonnie Ferris — Thu, 01 Sep 2011 15:51:08 +0000

Lord, when life is difficult, I am tempted to abandon hope in the future. But You are my God, and I can draw strength from You. Let me trust you, Father, in good times and in bad times. Let me perservere - even if my soul is troubled - and let me follow Your Son, Jesus Christ, this day and forever. Amen

A BROKEN LIFE

Bonnie Ferris — Wed, 24 Aug 2011 13:10:10 +0000

Each of us has something broken in our lives; a broken promise, a broken dream, a broken marriage, a broken heart...and we must decide how we're going to deal with our brokenness. Are we going to wallow in self-pity or regret, accomplishing nothing and having no fun or joy in our circumstances; or we can determine with our will to take a few risks, get out of our comfort zone, and see what God will do to bring unexpected delight in our time of need. ~Luci Swindoll

THE DECISION TO CELEBRATE LIFE

Bonnie Ferris — Thu, 04 Aug 2011 11:18:52 +0000

"This is the day that the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it." Psalm 118:24

As God's children, we are blessed beyond measure, but in this demanding and busy world we are slow to count our gifts and even slower to give thanks to the Giver.

God knows everything. He can manage everything, and He loves us. Surely this is enough for a fulness of joy beyond words.

Joy is a by product not of happy circumstances, education, talent, or wealth, but of a healthy relationship with God and a determination to love Him no matter what.

WHAT WAITS FOR US

Bonnie Ferris — Wed, 27 Jul 2011 18:20:24 +0000

The best we can hope for in this life is a knothole peek at the shining realities ahead. Yet a glimpse is enough. It's enough to convince our hearts that whatever sufferings and sorrows currently assail us aren't worthy of comparison to that which waits for us over the horizon (Heaven). ~ Joni Erickson Tada

FINDING HOPE

Bonnie Ferris — Wed, 20 Jul 2011 16:35:00 +0000

"You, Lord, give true peace to those who depend on you, because they trust you." Isaiah 26:

Hope is a perishable commodity. Despite God's promises, despite Christ's love, and despite our countless blessings, we frail human beings can still lose hope from time to time. When the challenges and pressures of everyday life threaten to overwhelm us, we may convince ourselves that the future holds little promise-and we may allow fears to eclispe our dreams.

When hope seems to be in short supply, there is a source to which we can turn in order to restore our perspective and our strength. That source is God. When we lift our prayers to the Creator, we avail ourselves of God's power, God's wisdom, and God's love. And when we allow God's Son to reign in our hearts, we are transformed, not just for a day, but for all eternity.

Are you looking for a renewed sense of hope? If so, it's time to place your future in the loving hands of God's only begotten Son. When you do, you'll discover that hope is not only highly perishable, but that it is also readily renewable...one day - one moment- at a time.

Dear Lord, I place my hope in You. If I become descouraged, I will turn to You. If I am afraid, I will seek strength in You. In every aspect of my life, I will trust in You. You are my Father, and I will place my hope, my trust, and my faith in You. Amen

~Finding Hope Devotional

Discovering Peace

Bonnie Ferris — Thu, 14 Jul 2011 01:05:11 +0000

Have you found the lasting peace that can - and should- be yours through Jesus Christ?

If you are a person with lots of obligations and plenty of responsibilities, it is simply a fact of life: you worry. From time to time, you worry about finances, safety, health, home, family, or about countless other soncerns, some great and some small. Where is the best place to take your worries? Take them to God...and leave them there.

"Peace I leave with you. My peace I give to you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Your heart must not be troubled or fearful." John 14:27

Dear Lord, let me accept the peace and abundance that You offer through Your Son Jesus. You are the Giver of all things good, Father, and You give me peace when I draw close to You. Help me to trust Your will, to follow Your commands, and to accept Your peace, today and forever. Amen