"Those who hope in the Lord are strengthened." Isaiah 40:31

One of my favorite contemporary Christian artists is Lincoln Brewster and I love his version of this passage in "Everlasting God"...the sweetest little girl at the end recites it and I must quote the whole verse:  "...but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength.  They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint."  WHAT A PROMISE!  The prophet Isaiah was speaking to the peopole of Judah - asking them questions to make them think.  He knew who was able to strengthen these weary warriors and he reminded them how important it was for them to have HOPE.  Nancy Guthrie (no relation!) says in The One Year Book of Hope: "The hope that God provides...is the confident assurance that we can entrust our lives to the One who holds the future no matter what happens."

One of the times in my life that I felt the strongest in my faith was when Don was diagnosed with abdominal cancer in 2007.  Because I was desperate for God's assurance, He gave both of us such sweet times of His presence and power.  Don is healthy today and that is only by the grace of God and the prayers of His people (and good medical care!).

Oswald Chambers says: "God will take us through an ordeal which will bring us out into a better knowledge of Himself."  Hope comes from the Lord!

For further study:  Job 13:15, Psalm 42:5, Romans 8:24, Romans 12:12, Hebrews 6:19, Hebrews 11:1

Be blessed in your understanding of God's word!

Love,
Holly

"As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord" - Joshua 24:15

Joshua, in his farewell address to the Israelites - after leading them into the promised land, after defeating kings and tribes, after seeing the Lord many times over bless these people - had one more chance to instruct AGAINST idol worship and FOR service and obedience to the Lord.  God alone had to be Lord of all!  The people had to CHOOSE!  How blessed we are to be chosen by God (Col. 3:12); now we must make a choice to serve God or serve the flesh (ourselves!).  I have recently been convicted of my worldly ways and have come to a sweeter understanding of my daily choices - in all my activities - to "serve the Lord".  The world offers us NOTHING, but "...the gift of God is eternal life" (Romans 6:23).  Joe Stowell said: "Life is not made by the dreams that you dream, but by the choices that you make."

For further study:  Deuteronomy 30:19-20, Matt. 4:10, Matt. 6:24, Colossians 3:24

Be blessed in your understanding of God's word!

Dear Friends

Dear Friends:  It has been my great privilege for several years now to embroider God's powerful Word on decorative pillows and guest towels.  I grew up in the church but didn't know Jesus Christ as my Savior until my early 30s. I lived in Miami, attended a wonderful chruch where the gospel was clearly preached and met a minister in a nearby church who would become my husband.  I learned early in our marriage that God's grace was sufficient for our marriage, our family and our church.  Bible study quickly became a source of stength for every part of my life.

It is my desire in this blog to share my thoughts on the Scriptures that I use on my work.  This home business has been a source of great joy to me, but it is never about SALES, only the profound importance of God's nourishing and sustaining Word.  "The grass withers and the flowers fall, but the Word of our God stands forever." Isaiah 40:8.

For further study:  2 Samuel 22:31, Psalm 119:9, 11, 105, Proverbs 30:5, Philippians 2:16, Colossians 3:16, 2 Timothy 2:15, Hebrews 4:12, James 1:22

Be blessed in your understanding of God's word!

Love and joy to you...Holly