Monday, July 25, 2011

God is Great. God is Good

by Nan Trammell Jones, Guest Blogger

"I love the Lord, because He has heard my voice and my supplications. Because He has inclined His ear to me, therefore I will call upon Him as long as I live."
~ Psalm 116:1,2


The pain in my shoulder was excruciating. I had fallen at work, toppling onto a concrete floor, and twisted as I tried to brace myself. "Nothing broken," Doc Miller said, "but that's a nasty sprain."

I lay squirming on the couch trying to find a comfortable position to rest my weary body. My three year old grandson was at the house. "Jamison, will you pray for Grandma's arm? I have a bad boo-boo." His stunning blue eyes met mine and, without saying a word to me, he lay that sweet little hand of his on my shoulder and prayed, "God is great. God is good. Amen." And then he toddled off to play.

Oh, that we would embrace the faith of a child, right? Pure trust. Full expectation of God's power and faithfulness. And no pride. Their little hearts seem to understand how big our God is and they accept the depth of His love and care just because He said so. No debate. No analysis. Just pure, unadulterated trust.

Sweet sisters, could we learn to trust the Lord with such simplicity? Could we learn to take Him at His Word - simply dare to believe? God, our Father, delights in revealing Himself to us, to making His power known to us.

Is there a struggle you are facing today? Are you overwhelmed with pain and sorrow? Are you wondering where your next meal is coming from? Dear friends, the Lord your God is great - He is big enough to handle all of your troubles. Nothing is too difficult for Him. And God is good - good enough to want to help you. His mercy is from everlasting to everlasting. His grace is available and sufficient for anything you are facing. You need only to believe.

After Jamison resumed his play, I noticed that the tension in my body was gone. The muscle spasms in my shoulder had relaxed and the pain began to subside. I fluffed my pillow, closed my eyes and slept like a baby.

Oh to have the faith of a child.

Father, You are so wonderful. Not only are you mighty to save and powerful to deliver, but you are tender in Your love. Thank You for that. Thank You for loving us so deeply and completely that nothing can separate us from You. We love You Lord and we give You praise.
***********************************************************************************
To read more of Nan's devotions, visit her blog, Morning Glory, at http://morningglorylights.blogspot.com/. Nan has a heart for Christian women who are struggling with their faith. Through difficult seasons in her life she has learned how to find God's light in the darkness and unspeakable joy when the river runs dry. She is available to speak at your ladies events. Please visit her website at www.jubilantlight.com for more information.

Sunday, July 24, 2011

Guest Blogger!

With tomorrow being the last Monday of the month, that means it's guest blogger day! Please join me as we welcome my dear friend and mentor, writer/speaker Nan Jones. I also want to encourage you to sign up for her blog, Morning Glory. I can promise you, you will be tremendously blessed! When you read anything from this lady, you will be wanting more, I know I do! Nan, welcome to Encouraging Women my friend!

Tuesday, July 5, 2011

We Have the Greatest anchor!

We have this hope as an anchor of the soul, firm and secure.
Hebrews 6:19 (New International Version)

Ladies, we have a very strong anchor! I want to encourage you, if you're going through a storm, hold fast to that anchor. That anchor never wavers, it never shakes. Nothing can shake our anchor! When our anchor is the Solid Rock, He's unmovable! I want to let you know, if you don't have that solid a! nchor in your life, it's the greatest treasure you could ever have! If you don't know Him today, let me encourage you to take that first step. When you do, take firm hold of the anchor and get ready for the ride of your life! It will be the decision you ever made! Can I pray for you today?

Father, I pray for each and every woman that may be reading this. Whether she has firm hold of the anchor or whether she's discovering it for the first time, I pray that she finds such joy in you that it just spills over! In Jesus Name, Amen.