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When we were teenagers, our youth group went backpacking to a remote lake in the Adirondacks of New York. Our leaders counseled us to pack light, but a few somehow didn’t get the message.

Kenny was not big by anyone’s standards, but the backpack he’d brought was! He’d filled it with canned goods, bottles of water, and a bag of potatoes. When he put it on he fell over backwards in a heap!

The counselors helped Kenny lighten his load, but after a couple miles he was still lagging behind the rest of us. At that point, my father took over, lifting the pack from Kenny’s back and carrying it the rest of the way for him. Relieved of his burden, Kenny ran off with his friends, finally able to enjoy the rest of the journey.

I find I’m a lot like Kenny. I pile stuff on myself I have no business carrying – worries, cares, responsibilities. Some days it feels like I can’t take another step.

It’s then Jesus steps in and says, “Here, let me get that for you.” Suddenly I feel like a new man. I feel like I can “mount up on wings like eagles;… run and not be weary…walk and not faint.” Isaiaih 40:31 NKJV. And all because I let Jesus carry the load!

I don’t know what is weighing you down right now, what cares are breaking your spirit, what worries trouble your soul. Whatever they are, stop wasting your energy dragging them from place-to-place. “Give your burdens to the Lord, and he will take care of you.” Psalm 55:22 NLT.

Today don’t try to make it on your own. Stop trying to carry your burdens by yourself. Lay ‘em down! Let go and let Christ! Lay your burdens at his feet and let Him carry the load. You’ll be amazed how much better you’ll feel!

God bless, have a great day, and remember – lay ‘em down!

In their song, Fly Like an Eagle, the Steve Miller Band lamented, “Time keeps on slippin’, slippin’, slippin’ into the future…”

That’s what’s been happening to me in the last few months. Back in May, with my parents coming to visit and a lot of other things on my plate, I decided to take a break from writing in my blog, EncouragingWordsforToday.com.

I really only intended to stop for a couple weeks, but time “keeps on, slippin’, slippin’, slippin’ into the future…” Our home remodel has been taking up most of my time and there were vacations to take, church activities to do, and “places to go and people to see.” Before I realized it several months had gone by without me writing a thing.

But, in spite of my neglect, God has continued to bless Encouraging Words for Today. The blog and Facebook page both now have over 100 followers. Thank you all for your support and please forgive me for my negligence. I promise to do better in the future.

Ecclesiastes 3:1 tells us, “There is a time for everything…” Well, for me, it’s time to start writing again, to start “…encouraging, comforting and urging you to live lives worthy of God, who calls you into his kingdom and glory.” 1 Thessalonians 2:12.

I’m excited to share with you some of the things God has been showing me from His Word the last few months. I hope you will join me and together we will continue to “encourage one another daily, as long as it is called ‘Today’” (Hebrews 3:13)

God bless and see you tomorrow!

The last couple weeks have been rough for a lot of people I care about.

First of all, the grandson of two of our church members died at just 29 years old of cancer. We’d been praying for him for months and for awhile he seemed to have turned the corner. Unfortunately, in the last few weeks things went downhill fast. I didn’t know him personally, but my heart aches for his grandparents whom Ana and I consider two of our dearest friends at church. How I wish I could take away their pain.

Then, to make matters worse, Shannon, a co-worker and friend, lost her battle with cancer a few days ago. Shannon was one of the most courageous women I’ve ever met. In spite of painful treatments, losing her hair, and the cancer’s recurrence after she thought she had it beat, Shannon never lost her sense of humor or her will to fight. Her love and care for her friends and family was evident in everything she did. All of us at the Walk-in Clinic miss her deeply. She was one very special lady.

Why?

All of this has been hard to process. Why do things like this happen? Why do young men have to die, leaving parents and grandparents to grieve? Why did Shannon, someone with some much life in her and so much love to give, succumb to such a despicable disease? Why is there so much heartache and pain in this world, so much hatred and strife?

Some would blame God, but the truth is “An enemy has done this.” (Matthew 13:28). Satan, enemy of God and man, “prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.” (1 Peter 5:8).

Determined to destroy everything and everyone God holds dear, Satan spreads death and destruction, disease and despair into every corner of this earth. Day-after-day, in the news or at the bedside of a dying friend we see the results of his rebellion.

Good News!

But there is good news! Satan is a defeated foe! Long ago, on an old rugged cross, the Son of God laid down His life “that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.” (John 3:16)

By His death, Jesus redeemed humanity from their sins, removing from them the curse of death. Yes, people still die and those left behind still grieve, but not for much longer! Jesus is coming soon and when He does “He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.” Revelation 21:4.

Never again will young men die. Never again will cancer steal loving mothers and friends away. Never again will we have to say goodbye, “because the old order of things has passed away.”

Until then…

Until then we will “Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.” (Romans 12:12). We will “mourn with those who mourn” (Romans 12:15), but we will “not grieve like the rest of mankind, who have no hope.” (1 Thessalonians 4:13)

Why? Because “we believe that Jesus died and rose again, and so we believe that God will bring with Jesus those who have fallen asleep in him…” (1 Thessalonians 4:14).

Soon, very soon, “…the Lord himself will come down from heaven, with a loud command, with the voice of the archangel and with the trumpet call of God, and the dead in Christ will rise first. After that, we who are still alive and are left will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And so we will be with the Lord forever.” 1 Thessalonians 4:16, 17.

Until then, rest in peace Nicky and Shannon. We love you! See you soon!

I have been blessed with an amazing father!

Jay Edison is a man after God’s own heart. His dedication to God and His work, his care for his family and so many others, and his love for each of his children, are just a few of the things I cherish about him. His example has made me a better father to my own children.

Dad was always there for us, even after 12-15 hour days caring for others in his medical practice. He always had time to bounce us on his knee, play catch with us, or listen to our joys and sorrows. He still does (though we’re all a little too big to bounce on his knee anymore!) No matter where we are or what we do we know one thing for certain. Dad loves us!

I am truly blessed to have the father I do. Unfortunately, not everyone has been so lucky.

For too many the word “father” evokes images of neglect and abuse. Others have never known a father’s love, never been able to sit on his lap, or play ball in the yard, because he was never in the picture; whether due to divorce, death, or abandonment. Others have had a wonderful father, but death has stolen him away and they miss him with every fiber of their beings.

If you see yourself in any of these scenarios, I want you to know you are not alone. You have a Father who loves you with an everlasting love. “Father to the fatherless, defender of widows—this is God, whose dwelling is holy.” Psalm 68:5 NLT.

God loved you so much “He gave his one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life.” John 3:16 NLT. “God decided in advance to adopt us into his own family by bringing us to himself through Jesus Christ. This is what he wanted to do, and it gave him great pleasure.” Ephesians 1:5 NLT.

It doesn’t matter what you’ve done in the past or how horrible your circumstances were, your Heavenly Father stands waiting with open arms to welcome you home. His love knows no bounds. His mercy is endless. He is the father you’ve always dreamed of and He will “never leave you nor forsake you.” Hebrews 13:5 NKJV.

No matter what memories we have of our earthly fathers whether good or bad, one thing is certain – we all long for a father’s love. Today that love can be yours. Just come to the God today. Give Him your heart and discover for yourself what real love is all about!

God bless and Happy Father’s Day!

The world was shocked this week to hear of the tragic suicides of fashion designer Kate Spade and the host of CNN’s “Parts Unknown”, Anthony Bourdain. Their deaths have once again thrust before the national consciousness the growing problem of suicide in the United States and the world.

The CDC reports from 1999 – 2016 suicide rates in the United States increased 25 percent. More than 45,000 people commited suicide in 2016 and the trend keeps climbing. Suicide is 10th leading cause of death overall, the second leading cause of death in people 15-34 years of age, and the fourth leading cause of death for those 35-54 years old. In 2016 there were more than twice the number of suicides than homicides.

People commit suicide for many reasons. We think most of often of mental health problems; such as depression, anxiety, and schizophrenia; as causes for people taking their own lives; but, as the CDC’s Dr. Anne Schuchat says, “Suicide is more than a mental health issue.”

The truth is, more than half of suicide victims had no history of mental health problems. Other factors, including alcohol and opioid abuse; financial stresses; relationship problems; emotional, sexual or physical abuse; and physical health problems, can be contributing factors.

When it comes down to it, the root cause of most suicides is lack of hope. A person looks at his or her life and asks the question, “What is the point?” LIke Job they cry out in despair, “I don’t have the strength to endure. I have nothing to live for.” (Job 6:11 NLT). With nothing to look forward to they feel they would be better off dead than having to face one more day.

The tragedy is, it doesn’t have to be this way. Jesus came into this world that we “…may have life, and have it to the full.” (John 10:10 NIV). God wants us to have lives filled with hope. That is why He sent His Son, Jesus, into the world.

Jesus came to bring life to the dying, forgiveness to all who have sinned, and hope for the hopeless. He came “that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him.” John 3:16 and 17 NIV.

Your life may seem hopeless right now, but I want you to know, no matter how bad things seem, no matter what grief weighs you down, no matter how hopeless your situation may feel, there is reason to hope, reason to hold on.” Ecclesiastes 9:4 promises, “Anyone who is among the living has hope.”

This morning, if you feel like all hope is lost, please don’t give up! Suicide is not the answer! Reach out for help. Call a friend or a pastor. If you’re actively thinking about suicide go to the emergency room where you can get the help you need. You can also call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255 (1-888-628-9454 for Spanish) or text START to 741741.

Whatever you do, don’t give up. “There is surely a future hope for you, and your hope will not be cut off.” (Proverbs 23:18 NIV).

Most importantly, remember you are never really alone. God is near. As the Psalmist declares, “The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.” (Psalm 34:18 NIV).

God promises “Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.” (Hebrews 13:5 NIV). He declares He will “never forget the needy; the hope of the afflicted will never perish.” (Psalm 9:18 NIV)

This morning put your hope in the Lord, for “those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength.” Isaiah 40:31. It may not seem like it right now, but God has not forgotten you. He promises, “I know the plans I have for you…plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” (Jeremiah 29:11).

“Come near to God and he will come near to you.” James 4:8. Let Him wrap His arms of love around and He will bring healing to your soul. Remember “weeping may last through the night, but joy come with the morning.” Psalm 30:4 NLT

This morning, do not despair. Do not give up! “Put your hope in God…” and live!

God bless and Happy Sabbath!

Note: If this has been helpful to you or if you know who could use an encouraging word today, please share and spread the hope.

As some of you may have noticed I haven’t posted anything in about a week.

This is an incredibly busy season in my life and it’s been difficult to carve out the time to write a post every day. I also need to find some time to dedicate to some other writing projects I have in the works. I’ll tell you more about those as they continue to take form.

For the above reasons, I have found it necessary to take a break from writing on my EncouragingWordsForToday.com blog and on Facebook. This was a difficult decision to make because I really enjoy doing these daily devotionals and I hope they’ve been of some encouragement to you over the last few months.

I plan to start posting again soon, but I will be re-titling my blog Encouraging Words for Life and will be posting just 2-3 times per week. Daily posts are just too difficult to do on a regular basis. I’m also looking into other ways of sharing in the future.

Until then, if you’re looking for an excellent daily devotional to read, I encourage you to sign up to receive The Open Word daily readings by my friend. Mike Temple. He has wonderful thoughts and I look forward to his emails every day. You can sign up at openwordjourney.com. You’ll be glad you did! I promise!

Even though I’m taking this short hiatus, you will be in my thoughts and I will continue to “always thank my God as I remember you in my prayers.” (Philemon 4). I’d appreciate it if you’d do the same for me.

Thank you for reading my posts over the last year and I look forward to sharing more Encouraging Words with you soon.

God bless and have a great week!

There are so many things I can praise my mother for. She’s been my guide, my comforter, my friend throughout my life. Her love for her children knows no bounds. She is selfless and has willing sacrificed to provide for her children and so many others. She’s an amazing cook, a talented seamstress, and spits a mean watermelon seed! And don’t even think of challenging her to a water fight!

For all these things I’m thankful, but there is one thing I’m eternally grateful for – the example she’s set for me of what a true Christian should be. Her love for her children, her sacrifices for our comfort, and the joy she finds in life are a constant reminder to me of what Jesus is like. Her daily life has been a continuous reflection of Christ’s love to me, lighting my way from childhood to adulthood.

My own walk with Christ today and the joy I find in His service are in a large part due the example Mom has set me through the years. Because of Mom’s example I can with David say, “I am your servant, Lord; I serve you just as my mother did.” Psalm 116:16.

To have a child chose to love and follow Jesus is the greatest gift any Christian mother could ever receive. This Mother’s Day make your mom the happiest woman on earth – give Jesus your heart! Then go out and serve Him everyday – just like Mom!

I love you Mom! Happy Mother’s Day!

My Favorite Day

O’ blessed Day of sweetest rest,
day of the week I love the best,
When from life’s rush and frantic fray
I, for a time, can steal away.

I put aside my worries and my cares.
Worship God with songs and prayers.
Enjoy sweet fellowship with those I love.
Great food, good friends – gifts from above.

Time in Nature, God’s Second Book.
Fresh air, warm sun, a babbling brook.
Service, sharing, giving back.
Getting my mind back on track.

But on this day, what I cherish most
is time with the Father, Son, and Holy Ghost.
For ‘tis their love which sets us free,
gives us the hope of eternity.

So, when this day ends at sunset,
refreshed, renewed, my soul reset,
I’ll go forth to work and play
and look forward to next Sabbath Day.

-Copyright Richard Edison 5/12/2018

I’ve known some special women in my life. My wonderful mother and my grandmothers. My aunts and cousins. My beautiful sisters JoAnn Cooley, Jan Kling, Nan Taylor, Joan Lee, and Donna Marincic. My friends from work and church. My elementary school teacher, Mrs. Marvin. And of course, topping the list are my amazing daughter Rishana and my beautiful wife Ana.

Each of these women have affected my life in different ways. They’ve taught me about love and giving, about sacrifice and kindness. They’ve made me laugh and comforted me when I’m down. They’ve shown me the meaning of grace and set me an example of what it really means to be a Christian. Each of them has made a huge difference in my life, but there is one special lady I’d like to honor today, because she needs your prayers right now.

Deloris Foote came into my life when I was 12 or 13. Her big home in the country is the center of some of my most special memories. I’d spend my days exploring their farm with her boys and when we’d tire she’d call us in to eat some of the most delicious food I’ve ever tasted. I was kind of a shy, awkward, geek of a kid, but she always made me feel special and loved. I still think of her as my second mom.

Even after Ana and I got married, Deloris and her husband Joe, continued to make a difference in my life, as they did in the lives of so many others. There were church socials at her house, sledding parties in her fields and, most importantly, Caring for Marriage Seminars, to which I attribute much of success of our own marriage through the years.

Deloris has always been there for me and so many others, but today we need to be there for her.

Deloris is having surgery today to remove a meningioma which has been causing seizures. I ask you to pray for Deloris that the surgery will be a success and she’ll have a full recovery. Pray also for the surgeons and for her family who will be helping with her recovery.

Proverbs 31:30 says, “A woman who fears the Lord is to be praised.” Deloris certainly fits the bill. Throughout her life she has reflected the love of Jesus everywhere she goes and in so many ways. Please pray for this special woman today, that she’ll have a rapid recovery and enjoy many more years of joy and laughter with her family and friends. Thank you!

God be with you Deloris! We love you!

Your Turn: Do you have a special woman in your life? Take a moment to thank God for her. And don’t stop there. Tell us what’s special about her in the comments below.

I’ve pretty much stopped watching the news in the last couple months. Occasionally I will turn it on if I’m just feeling too upbeat and need something to reconnect me with my inner depression, but for the most part I leave it off.

Don’t think I’m uninformed. I still keep track of the major stories, but I’ve grown tired of the constant flow of negativity which spews from news anchors’ mouths each evening. I mean why subject myself to more stories of senseless violence, infidelity, or the latest boneheaded move by our politicians? If I want to see stuff like that I can watch Law & Order. At least there the acting is good!

I’m trying to do the same thing in my personal life. I realized it’s way too easy for me to focus on the negative and miss out on the blessings God pours out on me everyday. This doesn’t do me any good and brings everyone around me down too.

In the book Help in Daily Living, p. 29, the author warns, “While we are counting up the disagreeable things, many things that are pleasant to reflect upon are passing from memory.”

I don’t know about you, but that’s not how I want to live my life. I’ve decided to instead follow Paul’s advice in Philippians 4:8 where he says, “Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.”

In spite what the news might want you to think, there is so much in this world that is still true, honest, just, pure, lovely, and worth thinking about. Sunrises and sunsets. Budding flowers and laughing brooks. Selfless souls who give their lives to help others and talented artists and musicians who fill our world with beauty and song.

This morning, let’s decide to stop dwelling on the trash. Let’s fill our minds with the good and reject the bad. Instead of repeating the latest gossip, let’s look for the good in everyone we meet and “if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise,-think on these things.”

God bless and have a positively amazing day!

Your Turn: What is one thing in your life you are thankful for, that makes you smile? Share it in the comments below, so we can all “think on these things.” Thanks and God Bless!