Pressing on in hope.

These are difficult times in which we live. Daily, we face challenges that
can both frustrate and drain us. People are struggling to either keep or
find employment, prices and costs for just about everything seem to be
rising. People are stretched thin and frustrated. It is no wonder that
some people find themselves drained of both hope and faith. Many people
have become cynical and have lost faith and hope and feel like just
giving up.

For some people, life no longer seems like an adventure, but more like
a day to day struggle. It is not hard to see why people run low on
energy and place both hope and faith in anyone or in anything that
lifts them up and helps them to keep going.

Now more then ever, people are searching for hope. Here are some words
of encouragement. The times might seem difficult and the journey
might seem long, but do not give up and hold on to faith in Christ.
He has not promised that the journey will be easy, but he has promised
to give us strength for the journey.

Through faith in Christ, we can press on; we can press on in him
who renews our hope and grants us strength. Make your journey with
courage and never lose heart. Look always to Christ and keep pressing
on in him. Keeping pressing on in faith, keep pressing on in hope.


Michael Carter

God our refuge-Psalm 90

Lord God, you have been our refuge. A strong source of everlasting grace;
Each day, you richly bless us. You shine upon the bright beams from your face.
From time everlasting, by your people, you are thanked and praised;
To you O God, the joyful songs of the redeemed are forever being raised.

Before all things, you existed. From everlasting to everlasting, you are God;
You are worshiped by the saints in heaven, and by those on earth who trod.
With your mighty hand, and in your image, you created man from the earth;
With the blast of your nostrils, you breathed into him, and gave him birth.

Time goes forth like a mighty wind. Time Time changes quickly from day to night;
Time to you, is like one day.A thousand years is but one day in you in your sight.
Man's life is but short. He is here for a time, then he is swept away like grass;
Though time for us is short, You O' God, shall endure and last.

In our journey, teach us to have wisdom so that we may number our days;
Lead us daily, and through your Spirit, guide us in all our ways.
O God, do not forsake us. Save and preserve us from sorrow and misery;
We ask you to look down upon and show us your mercy.

Shine down upon us O' God, your blessings that you send down from above;
Satisfy us in the morning with your presence and with your love.
That we may be glad and that we may be joyful for all our days;
Fill our mouths so that we shall be able to break forth with praise.

May your great deeds that you have shown to your servants, declare your glory;
Gladden our hearts with your presence. Open our ears to hear your story.
Support us daily, cause us to be strong. Give us the strength to stand;
Establish us, yes, establish us by the power of your mighty hand.

-Michael Carter