March 15, 2007

  • My New Bible

    In November, I was given "The Encouragement Bible," by Dave Dravecky's Outreach of Hope ministry. 

    I have decided that when I don't have much to talk about, I'm going to post something from this Bible.  Maybe it will feed your soul.  Maybe it won't.  But that's not going to stop me.

    If anyone you know is diagnosed with cancer, please contact Outreach of Hope and order their Encouragement Basket for that friend.  It doesn't cost a penny (though you can donate to the ministry, and they would appreciate it).  That basket has been wonderful.  It has The Encouragement Bible, along with other great books on depression and cancer.  It has Dave's autobiography "When You Can't Come Back," and some CDs of short devotions or books on CD.

    My favorite Bible verse is this:

    Jeremiah 29:11-13

    "For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.  Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you.  You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart."

    Plans to Prosper You ~ Joni Eareckson Tada

    A woman whom I had been counseling shook her head and nervously said to me, "I could never live in a wheelchair totally paralyzed."

    "Relax," I replied with a smile, "Because you'll most likely never have to."

    "How can you be so sure?" she asked suspiciously.

    I had her flip open her Bible and read Jeremiah 29:11.  After she read the verse, she frowned and said, "But what about you?  Look at your wheelchair.  You don't think God's plan harmed you?"

    I sighed and smiled, realizing there was no way I could convince her that God's plan for me has meant only spiritual prosperity and a hopeful future.  But then again, I'm the only one who needs to be convinced of it.  And I am!

    God will permit in your life only those trials that, with his grace, you are able to handle.  That includes everything from emotional pain to physical paralysis.   And this is why you have the assurance that his plans mean only spiritual prosperity for you and a hopeful future.

Comments (3)

  • Okay Evie.  This made me cry:

    "God will permit in your life only those trials that, with his grace, you are able to handle.  That includes everything from emotional pain to physical paralysis.   And this is why you have the assurance that his plans mean only spiritual prosperity for you and a hopeful future."

    Thank you for this.  I think this was meant for me today. 

  • Wonderful devotional, Evie! Thanks for posting it!

  • Thanks for sharing that Evie. What a wonderful lady with a wonderful heart Joni is. When my cousin was paralyzed n 1991 from a bullet to the chin, while a police officer, Joni called him. She called not long after he got out of the rehab. hospital. What an encouragement to him she was!

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