Encourage One Another

If you still read the printed page, the news isn't good these days. Because many of us get our news from alternate sources like the internet, newspapers are frequently closing. Whatever the source for news, the tone is largely negative. The government is spending trillions on bailout, the moral fiber continues to erode and embryos are now fair game for stem cell research with federal dollars by the stroke of a politician's pen.

Our hope and anchor amidst the turmoil must be the Lord Jesus Christ. It is easy to find ourselves downcast and troubled by the uncertainty. Psalms 3:3 is the perfect pick me up :-)
But you, O Lord, are a shield about me, my glory, and the lifter of my head. I cried aloud to the Lord, and He answered me from his holy hill. Picture a little child who is dragging his chin on the ground in disappointment or sorrow. Just as we lift their chin, look in their eyes, and reassure them it is alright, the Lord does the same for His children. Look up, look into His eyes, we have a Father's love, a Savior's redemption, the Spirit's comfort and all of eternity ahead of us for those who are redeemed.

Uplands or Lowlands?

Oswald Sanders in his book on Spiritual Leadership states that leaders can influence others toward the "uplands" or the "lowlands". We are all influencing someone whether to the upland or the lowland. As mothers and grandmothers this is part of creating a heritage. What will they remember about us? What part of us will they carry with them forever? Will it be our faith, our love, or something less noble like a habit of anger or a bitter spirit.

We cannot change everything at once but by God's grace He can help us change through His enabling power. None of us should be content to stay in the lowlands. Lift up your eyes and see the uplands ahead rich and green and begin taking one step at a time....today, not tomorrow.

Psalm 121:1-2 - I lift up my eyes to the hills. From where does my help come? My help comes from the Lord, who made heaven and earth.