Several months ago, I was going through a tough few months, even struggling to write. And then I read this verse one morning – “This is the day the LORD has made. We will rejoice and be glad in it” (Psalm 118:24). But I didn’t feel much like rejoicing, and I didn’t feel much like praying. If you have ever felt like this, then watch this video.
Be Thou My Vision
Is God your vision, or are you looking through broken spectacles?
The 8th-century song “Be Thou My Vision” translated from Irish to English has inspired many a Christian today. Just listen to the words that reflect total abandonment from self to reliance on God for all things.
Be thou my meditation by day and night.
May it be thou that I behold even in my sleep.
Be thou my speech, be thou my understanding.
Be thou with me, be I with thee
Be thou my father, be I thy son.
Mayst thou be mine, may I be thine.
Is God the focus of your every thought?
Do you consider God’s will when you are making decisions?
Do you trust in God to establish your every step? Does God delight in your ways?
Is He your total abandon?
If so, then God finds this commendable and He is pleased with you.
Make “Be Thou My Vision” your prayer for hope and strength.
Trust in God for all things.
He is the light that redeems.
He is the light that restores.
He is the light that heals.
He is the light that protects.
He is the light that saves.
Almighty God, we thank you.
Copyright 2017 by Bill Hutzel
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Dream So Big
DREAMS are not merely in the night; they are the goals and visions that fire your heart and flood your soul.
Is your dream too big for you to fulfill without God’s help? “If you can do it without His help, you are not dreaming big enough. If it’s much bigger than you, you are on the right track. The Bible promises that all things are possible with God”. (ministrytodaymag.com, Are You Dreaming Big Enough?)
RELATED BIBLE VERSES
“But with God all things are possible” (Matthew 19:26)
“For with God nothing shall be impossible” (Luke 1:37)
“I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me” (Philippians 4:13)
“And Jesus looking upon them said, With men [it is] impossible, but not with God: for with God all things are possible” (Mark 10:27)
Copyright 2017 by Bill Hutzel
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The Peace that Jesus Gives
“You’re my place of quiet retreat; I wait for your Word to renew me” (Psalm 119:114, MSG)
The Bible says in John 14:27 “Peace is what I leave with you; it is my own peace that I give you. I do not give it as the world does. Do not be worried and upset; do not be afraid.” (GNT) The peace that Jesus gives us is not the peace of this world. Jesus brings peace, which when we bend our hearts toward him, He can keep our hearts from being troubled and afraid. It is a supernatural peace that psychologists and psychiatrists cannot offer, that drugs cannot provide.
Here’s what to do if you are feeling discouraged and have lost hope. Don’t go home and turn on the television. Instead, spend time in God’s Word. “Listen to Dr. Luke instead of Dr. Phil. God’s Word has the power to change your life. It has God’s power in it. Nothing else does. The Bible will give you the ‘real stuff’ – true encouragement.”[1]
“You will keep in perfect peace, him whose mind is stayed on You because he trusts in You.” – (Isaiah 26:3)
Copyright 2017 by Bill Hutzel
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FOOTNOTE
[1] Rick Warren, “When You’re Down, The Bible Lifts You Up” from Pastor Rick’s Daily Hope, February 11, 2017
BACKGROUND PHOTO Courtesy of picjumbo.com
Are you having a good day?
As I put my items on the checkout belt, the supermarket clerk called to the woman behind me and said, “Ma’am, I am sorry, but I am closing after him.” The woman rolled her eyes, mumbled something under her breath, and shrugged her shoulders as she left.
The clerk and I looked at each other. And as she finished with my items, she said: “I feel sorry about that, but I do have to close for lunch some time.”
“She must be having a rough day” I replied.
“Yeh, but you look like you’re having a good day!”
That took me by surprise. “I am?” I said, dubious.
“Aren’t you?” she asked.
“Hmmm. Yes, I guess I am having a good day” I replied, thinking of my accomplishments so far and what I was looking forward to tonight. “Yes, I am,” I said. “Thanks for reminding me.”
Then the words from the song “Shine Jesus Shine” came to me:
As we gaze on Your kindly brightness
So our faces display Your likeness.
Ever changing from glory to glory,
Mirrored here may our lives tell Your story.
Shine on me. Shine on me. – “Shine Jesus Shine,” Cliff Richard
I am shined on each day. In my believer’s life, an okay day is far better than any day in a non-believer’s life. I am grateful for His joy in my heart.
Shine, Jesus, shine.
Copyright 2017 by Bill Hutzel
JOIN INSPIRATION AND HOPE ON FACEBOOK BY CLICKING HERE