I Will Praise God Even in the Storm

Lonliness, heartbreak, isolation, betrayal...the list goes on.

As you walk through this mentoring journey, realize that you do not have to bear all these burdens alone (Gal. 6:2).

One thing we are learning in this ministry is that we are to reach out beyond ourselves. Sometimes that means that we are to slow down and take time out to care for other people.

Other times it means that we need to step outside of our comfort zone and share some of our own burdens with someone else. This is an important element in mentoring. It is part of our journey toward godliness...together. Don't forget to utilize your prayer warrior. She is there, waiting to lift your name to the Lord of hosts.

Turn your eyes toward God and praise Him even during your stormy times. He holds you in His capable hands, and will not let you go. God has a plan, but we cannot always see it. Our Bible study reminded us that, "the Lord of hosts has sworn saying, 'Surely, just as I have intended so it has happened, and just as I have planned so it will stand...For the Lord of hosts has planned, and who can frustrate it?'" (Isa. 14:24, 27).

The words to this popular song help me to praise God, even when life seems bleak:

I’ll praise You in this storm
And I will life my hands
For You are who You are
No matter where I am
Every tear I’ve cried
You hold in Your hand
You never left my side
And though my heart is torn
I will praise You in this storm

New Logo

We've got a new logo!

I had an idea for a logo, but I couldn't draw it out.  I'm no artist.  So, I talked with a graphics company to see if they could put my idea to life.  They did a lovely job, and I'd like to share it with you.  

(explanation of the above logo) The tree of life is rooted in God's Word, which allows it to be a thriving, fruitful tree.  Notice that one must open the Bible in order to extract the nutrition from it.  The tree produces the fruit of the Spirit (listed above the canopy of the tree).  Our theme verse, Titus 2:3-5 is also prominant.  The three branches of the mentoring ministry are shown on the trunk, "Big Sister", "Prayer Warrior" and "Little Sister".

I'm pleased with the way the logo turned out.  Let me know what you think!  Post your comments.

Know Him by Name

Good morning, Miss So-and-So.

Good day, Mr. Whats-your-name.

How are you doing, Mrs. Jane-Doe?

Marvelous, Miss Lady-Down-the-Road!

    

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Sounds intimate, huh?  Like they know all about each other?  Ha!

Isn't that how many of us speak to God, our Creator?  

These days, we're all so busy.  Many times we're busy with good things.  But, beware that you are not so busy with the good things, that you crowd out the BEST things.  

Our Bible study for this session of mentoring ("Lord, I Want To Know You", by Kay Arthur) will help us to build an intimacy with God by teaching us of His many names.  Yes, He has more names than just "God" or "Lord".  

As we learn about His names, we also learn of His character.  As we learn of His character, we learn how to depend on Him and call out to Him because we are building intimacy with Him.

Kay Arthur says it this way, "Why don't we run to the arms of our all-suffcient God?  I think it's because most of us don't really know our God.  Why do many collapse in the day of trouble and testing?...Because Christians, for the most part, can't boast in the name of their God."

What about you?  Do you have a heavy heart?  Are you pulled in many different directions?  Do you feel that you can't hold it all together anymore?

Run to God, my friend.  Put your trust in Him.  Call out to Him.

Psalm 50:15 says, "Call upon me in the day of trouble: I will deliver thee, and thou shalt glorify me."  Proverbs 18:10 teaches us that "the name of the LORD is a strong tower; the righteous runs into it and is safe."

Don't you want to know that "strong tower"?  Don't you want to be completely "safe" in the arms of your loving Father?  

Do you remember the words to that precious old hymn...

Peace, peace...wonderful peace.

Flowing down from the Father above

Sweep over my spirit, forever, I pray

In fathomless billows of love.

My friend, you can know that peace in your life.  This day.  God is calling out to you and desires a close relationship with you.  Imagine that!  The God who created all that we see, who formed you in your mother's womb (Psalm 139) wants time with YOU!!!

will you give Him that?  Will you allow yourself the time to get to know Him intimately?  

I challenge you to spend 15 minutes each day in our Bible study (available in our church office).  Pray before you begin that God would help you to focus on that time, and not to be distracted.  Pray that He will help you to depend on Him according to His great name.

Let me know what comes of it, my friend.  I look forward to hearing from you.