As believers, we have the right to claim God's promises. When discouragement sneaks in and you don't feel like reading the Bible--go to the Word. When you're frustrated with life's circumstances and are tempted to quit--go to the Word.

Protect your heart from discouragement. Open the Bible. Claim His promises. And that old desperado named discouragement will be driven away.

Fear knocked at the door and faith answered. No one was there.
Old English Proverb

(This was taken from Today's Turning Point with David Jeremiah)

I really enjoyed this topic today.  Don't you find that when things aren't going well you may turn away from the Word instead of turning toward the Word?  I know that I often respond this way.  We get discouraged....we feel that God isn't listening.....we surely aren't seeing any results from praying.  All of this is beyond our understanding and we need to turn toward the Word....always .....under all circumstances......good and bad...... turn toward God's Word. Open your Bible.

He called you to this through our gospel, that you might share in the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ.
(2 Thessalonians 2:14)

I had the opportunity this morning to give some Bibles to a mission heading for Africa.  I am so blessed to have several Bibles in my possession while there are millions of people that don't even have access to a single one.  Sharing the gospel.....that's what it's all about.

"Reading is an immense gift, but only if the words are assimilated, taken into the soul--eaten, chewed, gnawed, received in unhurried delight." Eugene Peterson


Isn't that a wonderful quote? Reading truly is a gift, one that I've treasured my entire life. I don't remember learning to read, but I do know that I was reading and writing by age three. Not only is reading a gift, reading the Bible is an extraordinary gift, a treasure from God, written just for our delight, inspiration, and guidance.



I pray that I always take my time reading God's Book, savoring and lingering over each word while allowing it to seep into my soul to help me apply the Word of God in the situations that enter my earthly world.