I refuse to be discouraged, to be sad, or to cry;
I refuse to be downhearted, and here’s the reason why.
I have a God Who’s mighty, Who’s sovereign and supreme;
I have a God Who loves me, and I am on His team.
He is all wise and powerful, Jesus is His Name;
Though everything is changeable, my God remains the same.
My God knows all that’s happening, beginning to the end;
His presence is my comfort, He is my dearest friend.
When sickness comes to weaken me, to bring my head down low,
I call upon my mighty God; into His arms I go.
When circumstances threaten to rob me of my peace;
He draws me close unto His breast, where all my strivings cease.
When my heart melts within me, and weakness takes control,
He gathers me into His arms; He soothes my heart and soul.
The great “I AM” is with me; my life is in His hand.
The “Son of the Lord” is my hope; it’s in His strength I stand.
I refuse to be defeated, My eyes are on my God;
He has promised to be with me, as through this life I trod.
I’m looking past all circumstances, to Heaven’s throne above;
My prayers have reached the heart of God.  I’m resting in His love.
I give God thanks in everything.  My eyes are on His face;
The battle’s His, the victory is mine; He’ll help me win the race!

Michael Faraday was a great scientist who dedicated his life to exploring the mystery of electricity. Among his accomplishments was the invention of the first electric motor. Yet Faraday was also devoted to unveiling the mysteries of God's Word, which he read and memorized every morning and evening and preached on Sundays. ​

I remember there was a time when all I would drink was milk. Now I enjoy milk, but I really liked it then. I kept exclaiming, “I can’t believe I’m drinking this much milk. I’ll just drink one huge glass at a time.” Now I know why I enjoyed milk so much....

Sometime ago, the Lord impressed upon me how wonderful it would be to spend a whole day focused on Him. Life is so busy. I make time for eating, sleeping, exercising, even shopping and vacations. But could I take a whole day off from my normal responsibilities and focus totally on the Lord?
​
I told my family about the idea and they were very excited. It occurred to them, that if I was very sick for a day, they would all manage without me. They liked the idea so much, they even offered to deliver meals and snacks upstairs to my bedroom!

The other day when I started chapter 11 of Hebrews, (I was having my quiet time), I immediately recognized the first verses. My brother was memorizing them for a program he’s in. I had asked him for the passage a little while before because I had decided I wanted to type a letter on faith using that verse. I rushed to my laptop and started typing.

Sigh! Do you have the habit of allowing sighs to escape your lips throughout the day? Have you ever thought to consider that little gesture? Most of the time they transpire without our realizing. I was convicted about sighs recently and would like to share with you what the Lord revealed to me. Are they only harmless little puffs of air?
   
​What type of sigh do you utter?

​God’s creation is certainly fascinating to study! From the features of the tiniest cell to the marvels found deep in the ocean, God’s handiwork clearly reminds us that He is the Creator! As we consider what the Lord has made, it should always point us back to Him. Also, there are many lessons we can learn from observing nature. In fact, there are a few things in nature that the Bible actually tells us to consider. Let’s take a look!

​Dear Sisters,
 
Over the past few weeks God has just overwhelmed me with His awesome goodness, love and faithfulness! Do you ever wonder if God hears your prayers? Well, I just wanted to remind you that He does! About a month ago, I was a little discouraged and I just asked God to remind me of His goodness. I knew God was good; I just needed a reminder. Nothing is too little, small, or simple for God. God wants us to trust Him for everything!
 
Do you ever ask God for everyday things? Have you asked God for material things? What about little things you would like to have, but you just don’t have the money for?... We want to be careful not to put God in a box or be demanding of Him. We need to realize that God’s will is truly best and desire it more than our own. We need to learn to be content no matter what. :)

O gift of gifts! O grace of faith!
My God! how can it be
That Thou, who has discerning love,
Shouldst give that gift to me?
 
How many hearts thou mightest have had
More innocent than mine!
How many souls more worthy far
Of that sweet touch of Thine?
Oh, grace! Into unlikeliest hearts
It is thy boast to come,
The glory of Thy light to find
In darkness spots a home.
 
Oh, happy, happy that I am!
If thou canst be, O faith
The treasure that thou art in life
What wilt thou be in death?
 
 
The above poem was taken from Mrs. E. Prentiss’ beloved classic, Stepping Heavenward. I would highly recommend this book; in fact, I have literally highlighted many portions that were encouraging/convicting to me. Very thought-provoking!
 
When I read Romans, my heart is overwhelmed with pure joy and gratitude to our heavenly Father to think of His mercy and grace—the unmerited goodness of God. Never skim the book of Romans. Read it—again and again and again—it is brimming with truth about the wonderful doctrine of salvation!