Hey Siestas,
My name is Mary, and I do all things accounting at Living Proof Ministries. I haven’t had an opportunity to meet many of you, but I have thoroughly enjoyed getting to know you through Facebook and the blog.
But the verse in Colossians I keep camping on is a verse of encouragement. Encouragement in the tough times. Who can’t use some of that?
Colossians 1:11 in the Message says,
“We pray that you’ll have the strength to stick it out over the long haul—not the grim strength of gritting your teeth but the glory-strength God gives. It is strength that endures the unendurable and spills over into joy, thanking the Father who makes us strong enough to take part in everything bright and beautiful that he has for us.”
God promises to help us through the hard times. Too often I exhaust myself trying to push through in my own strength. In those times when I make it through the storm on my own – it’s without joy and often without thanksgiving! This verse reminds me to catch myself in the act of gritting my teeth – to stop and instead draw from the “glory-strength God gives.” It is here in this posture I can rest in His promises. It is here where He is truly glorified, and it here where I give Him all the thanks He deserves – right in the midst of the storm!
Barbara, Medina, Oh
because I know that I will soon put it aside, as our Lord Jesus Christ has made clear to me.
2 Pet 1:15 NIV
Ellen Hollenshead, Albuquerque, New Mexico.
Since you have been raised to new life with Christ, set your sights on the realities of heaven, where Christ sits in the place of honor at God’s right hand. Think about the things of heaven, not the things of earth.
Colossians 3:1-2, NLT
Louise, Irvine, CA, Ps 27:13(NIV)-I will remain confident of this: I will see the goodness of the LORD in the land of the living!
Patty Lincoln, Greenville, SC: “We pray that you’ll have the strength to stick it out over the long haul – not the grim strength of gritting your teeth but the glory-strength God gives. It is strength that endures the unendurable and spills over into joy, thanking the Father Who makes us strong enough to take part in everything bright and beautiful that He has for us.” Col. 1:11 MSG
Psalm 91:15 ESV
When he calls to me I will answer him
I will be with him in trouble
I will rescue him and honor him
Julie from Texas
Lynette, Nashville, TN
“Keep your heart with all vigilance, for from it flow the springs of life.”
Proverbs 4:23 ESV
Cristi from Lindale, TX:
“People may be right in their own eyes, but the Lord examines their heart.” ~Proverbs 21:2
“The earth is the LORD’s, and everything in it, the world, and all who live in it;”
Psalm 24:1 NIV
Laurie – Cumming, GA
First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people,
1 Timothy 2:1, ESV
Judy Pauley, Norfolk, Va.
Psalms 62:10 NIV
Do not trust in extortion or take pride in stolen goods; though your riches increase, do not set your heart on them.
Mary Ruth Franklin
Lanexa, VA
As for man, his days are like grass;
he flourishes like a flower of the field;
for the wind passes over it, and it is gone,
and its place knows it no more.
But the steadfast love of the Lord is from everlasting to everlasting on those who fear him,
and his righteousness to children’s children,
to those who keep his covenant
and remember to do his commandments.
The Lord has established his throne in the heavens,
and his kingdom rules over all.
Bless the Lord, O you his angels,
you mighty ones who do his word,
obeying the voice of his word!
Bless the Lord, all his hosts,
his ministers, who do his will!
Bless the Lord, all his works,
in all places of his dominion.
Bless the Lord, O my soul!
Psalm 103:15-22
Roseanne, Tacoma, WA
And the Lord’s servant must not be quarrelsome but kind to everyone, able to teach, patiently enduring evil, correcting his opponents with gentleness. God may perhaps grant them repentance leading to a knowledge of the truth, and they may come to their senses and escape from the snare of the devil, after being captured by him to do his will.
2 Timothy 2:24-26
Teresa, Louisville KY
I am counting on the LORD; Yes, I am counting on Him. I have put my hope in His Word
Ps 130:5 NLT
Peggy says:
19) This hope we have as an anchor of the soul, a hope both sure and steadfast and one which enters within the veil,
20) where Jesus has entered as a forefunner for us, having become a high priest forever according to the order of Melchizedek.
Hebrews 6:19-20 (NASB)
Ali C., Pleasanton, CA-“For the death he died he died to sin, once for all, but the life he lives he lives to God.” Romans 6:10 (ESV)
Anne from Parma, OH
“He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation.”
Colossians 1:15, NIV
Cindy Salt Lake City
James 3:17 NIV
But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure;
then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit,
impartial and sincere.
Jennifer from San Antonio, Texas
“You are already clean because of the word I have spoken to you. Remain in Me, and I will remain in you. No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in Me” John 15:3-4.
Sarah, Montrose, CO
Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thanksgiving in your hearts to God.
Colossians 3:16
Mary Pat Byrd from Richmond Hill, GA
For he has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of the Son he loves, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins.
Colossians 1:13-14 NIV
Theresa, Glendale AZ (now Camden. ME), A man’s heart plans his way, but the Lord directs his steps. Proverbs 16:9 NKJV
Leah Cullen from Ramona, CA
This is how we know we’re living steadily and deeply in Him, and He in us: He’s given us life from His life, from His very own Spirit. – 1 John 4:13 (MSG)
Chris, Seattle, WA
What is man that you are mindful of him, the son of man that you care for him?
Psalm 8:4 NIV
John 3:30 NIV
He must become greater; I must become less
Jan Cleburne, TX
“Seek the Lord, and his strength: seek his face evermore.”
Psalm 105:4 (KJV)
Pamela Shaw, Bangor, N. Ireland
‘Do not turn me over to the desire of my foes, for false witnesses rise up against me, breathing out violence.’ Psalm 27:12 (NIV)
Amanda Joy Love Columbus, Ohio – “Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves.” (Phil 2:3, NIV)
Redfield, AR
Romans 8:36 (NKJV)
[36] As it is written:
“For Your sake we are killed all day long;
We are accounted as sheep for the slaughter.”*
Isaiah 58:11, “And the LORD will guide you continually and satisfy your desire in scorched places and make your bones strong; and you shall be like a watered garden, like a spring of water, whose waters do not fail.” (ESV)
For I, the Lord your God hold your right hand; it is I who say to you “Fear not, I am the one who helps you.” Isaiah 41:13 ESV
Roz Barrett, Washington, MI says “So if there is any encouragement in Christ, any comfort from love, any participation in the Spirit, any affection and sympathy; complete my joy by being of the same mind; having the same love, being in full accord and of one mind.”
Phil 2:1-2 (ESV)
Jennifer Millican, Spring, Texas: Let no unwholesome word proceed from your mouth, but only such a word as is good for edification according to the need of the moment, so that it will give grace to those who hear. Do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, by whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. Let all bitterness and wrath and anger and clamor and slander be put away from you, along with all malice. Be kind to one another, tender-hearted, forgiving each other, just as God in Christ also has forgiven you.” Ephesians 4:29-32 NASB
Kathy leesville,la. Now hope does not disappoint because the love of God has been poured out in our hearts by the Holy Spirit who was given to us. For when we were still without strength in due time Christ died for the ungodly. Romans 5:5-6 NKJ
Helen Roseberry, Riverside, CA
“13 And now you Gentiles have also heard the truth, the Good News that God saves you. And when you believed in Christ, he identified you as his own by giving you the Holy Spirit, whom he promised long ago. 14 The Spirit is God’s guarantee that he will give us the inheritance he promised and that he has purchased us to be his own people. He did this so we would praise and glorify him.” Ephesians 1:13-14 (NLT)
Sarah, Lincoln, NE, “Oh give thanks to the LORD, call upon His name; Make known His deeds among the peoples.” (Psalm 105:1 NASB)
Then when you call, the LORD will answer. “yes, I am here,” He will quickly reply. Isaiah 58:9 (NLT)
Sharon from Goliad, Texas “if indeed you have tasted that the Lord is gracious.” 1 Peter 2:3 NKJV
Vicki, fro Grapevine, TX
He made known his ways to Moses, his deeds to the people of Israel. ~ Psalm 103:7 NIV84
Jill from Laramie, WY
“Cast all your anxiety on Him because He cares for you.”
I Peter 5:7
Amen! Love this – thank you!
Dian in Cocoa Beach,
And this is the Plan, at the right time He will bring everything
under the authority of Christ-everything on heaven and earth.
Eph.1:10 (NLT)
Arilee H., Saskatoon, SK Canada
Zephaniah 3:17 (NKJV) “The Lord your God in your midst, The Mighty One, will save; He will rejoice over you with gladness, He will quiet you with His love, He will rejoice over you with singing.”
Vicki
Murfreesboro,TN
Psalm 16:8 (HCSB)
“I keep the Lord in mind always. Because He is at my right hand, I will not be shaken.”
Tanya from Moose Jaw, Canada. “Nevertheless I am continually with You; You hold me by my right hand.” Psalm 73:23 NKJV
Bobbie, Litchfield, MN
And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
Philippians 4:7 (NIV)
Christa Cordova, Vancouver, WA:
“These things I have spoken to you, that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be full.” John 15:11 ESV
Aj Schwanz from Newberg, OR. “I, the elder, am writing this letter. I am sending it to you, my dear friend Gaius. I love you because of the truth.” (3 John 1 NIRV)
Kimberly Kleimann, Chico CA
Trust in the Lord at all times ye people, pour out your heart before him: God is a refuge for us.
Psalm 62:8 KJV
Beth Reid, London, Ontario
Psalm 13:6 ESV
“I have trusted in your steadfast love;
my heart shall rejoice in your salvation.
I will sing to the Lord,
because he has dealt bountifully with me.”
Janet from Odessa, TX
Remembering your tears, I long to see you so that I may be filled with joy,
II Timothy 1:4. HCSB