STRENGTH in ADVENT - 1 HOPE and Faith

ADVENT 2021 begins today on Sunday, November 28th and ends on December 24th, 2021.    

"As the holiday season approaches, we often hear the language spoken of “preparing the way.” Traditionally, Advent is a time of reflection and affirmation, with each week represented by a theme.

Advent has been seen as an exploration of faith, an inner search of the mind and heart." ..."Our Deepest Gifts"

"... The four Sundays preceding Christmas, which is when Christians celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ, are recognized for four virtues. The candles on the Advent wreath symbolize: hope, love, joy and peace. The candles are lit in that order, beginning today." Natalie Joseph

I hope to share each Sunday of the 4 weeks (and perhaps more in between) some of the STRENGTH I've found in 2021. I've been wanting to somehow put together all that I have been seeking on my Word for 2021 on STRENGTH. This will be (in part) some of what God has shown me on STRENGTH and the many resources I have accumulated on STRENGTH in addition to my focus in God's Word on Strength & Renewal because of the verses in Isaiah (Isaiah 40:29-31) that began my journey daily with "The Vision" by Brian Simmons & Gretchen Rodriguez, through the book of Isaiah, reading The Passion Translation (TPT) & comparing to other versions. God gave me this specific verse for 2021 and later directed me toward the specific one Word: STRENGTH.

"... Those who entwine their hearts with Yahweh will experience Divine STRENGTH. They will rise upon soaring wings and fly like eagles, run their race without growing weary, and walk through life without giving up. Isaiah 40:29-31 TPT

It could have been any other word in that verse: renew or hope or rise up or many others in that verse, yet I landed on STRENGTH. It delighted me that two well known authors decided this fall to write books on STRENGTH, which confirmed (a little late) but summarize well much of the journey I personally walked through in Scripture & this is also why it was such a blessing to review these books by Joyce Meyer & Joel Osteen. Of course, it would have been better or easier for me this past year to have had and be reading these daily since 2021 began. Yet God knew this ahead & guided me with STRENGTH & being STRONG ... to show me "You are Stronger than You Think" that I am and indeed that I need His "Strength for Each Day" (and so do you). The reason I have decided to share on STRENGTH for the 4 weeks of Advent. There are many more STRENGTH verses than I could possibly share, so that is why I have limited them to this time. I'm not sure if it will work with the themes, but I will at least try & start with that each week.
So today, we light the Candle of HOPE (which as you can read in Isaiah 40:29-31) is closely related with Strength. 

I read the following after taking an inventory of 24 character "strengths" that make up what's best about our personality (not particularly biblical) but still useful & we all need to develop our character & strengths, right? And even turn any weakness into Strength! Of course, Character Strengths is not what I had in mind. for 2021. So ...
WHAT IS HOPE? "The character strength of hope has to do with positive expectations about the future. It involves optimistic thinking and focusing on good things to come. Hope is more than a feel-good emotion. It is an action-oriented strength involving agency, the motivation and confidence that goals can be reached, and also that many effective pathways can be devised in order to get to that desired future. Optimism is closely linked with having a particular explanatory style (how we explain the causes of bad events). People using an optimistic explanatory style interpret events as external, unstable and specific. Those using a pessimistic explanatory style interpret events as internal, stable and global."

What I actually had in mind throughout 2021 was STRENGTH in God's Word & perhaps how or why God would give me this One Word for 2021 and all that God desires for me to learn or reveal about STRENGTH for me - not just about physical Strength (like my aging & exercise), with emotional & mental strength too - but mostly my much needed Spiritual Strength for the times in which we live. There are many more verses on STRENGTH then I could share  ... according to one source I read: there are at least 232 occurrences, but that varies based on which version of the Bible you are using for the search.

This week, I have chosen these (because I'm sure I will not be sharing all 232):

10 BIBLE VERSES ABOUT HOPE & STRENGTH

1. Yet, the strength of those who wait with hope in the Lord will be renewed. They will soar on wings like eagles. They will run and won’t become weary. They will walk and won’t grow tired. Isaiah 40:31 GW *my main verse for 2021
2. I always keep the Lord in front of me. When He is by my side, I cannot be moved. That is why my heart is glad and my soul rejoices. My body rests securely because you do not abandon my soul to the grave or allow your holy one to decay. Psalm 16:8-10 GW
3. I know the plans that I have for you, declares the Lord. They are plans for peace and not disaster, plans to give you a future filled with hope. Jeremiah 29:11 GW
4. The Lord your God is with you. He is a hero who saves you. He happily rejoices over you, renews you with his love, and celebrates over you with shouts of joy. Zephaniah 3:17 GW
5. May the God of your hope so fill you with all joy and peace in believing [through the experience of your faith] that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound and be overflowing (bubbling over) with hope. Romans 15:13 AMPC
6. For this is the hope of our salvation. But hope means that we must trust and wait for what is still unseen. For why would we need to hope for something we already have? So because our hope is set on what is yet to be seen, we patiently keep on waiting for its fulfillment. And in a similar way, the Holy Spirit takes hold of us in our human frailty to empower us in our weakness. For example, at times we don’t even know how to pray, or know the best things to ask for. But the Holy Spirit rises up within us to super-intercede on our behalf, pleading to God with emotional sighs too deep for words. Romans 8:24-26 TPT
7. But since we belong to the day, let us be sober, putting on faith and love as a breastplate, and the hope of salvation as a helmet. 1 Thessalonians 5:8 NIV
8. Be strong, courageous, and firm; fear not nor be in terror before them, for it is the Lord your God Who goes with you; He will not fail you or forsake you. Deuteronomy 31:6 AMPC
9. God will wipe away every tear from their eyes; and death shall be no more, neither shall there be anguish (sorrow and mourning) nor grief nor pain any more, for the old conditions and the former order of things have passed away. Revelation 21:4 AMPC
10. We view our slight, short-lived troubles in the light of eternity. We see our difficulties as the substance that produces for us an eternal, weighty glory far beyond all comparison, because we don’t focus our attention on what is seen but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but the unseen realm is eternal. 2 Corinthians 4:17-18 TPT

According to the Strong's Lexicon for STRENGTH in Isaiah 40:31 (my particular STRENGTH verse) this is what I found:

their strength;
כֹ֔חַ (ḵō·aḥ) Strong's Hebrew #3581 
Noun - masculine singular
Strong's Hebrew 3581: 1) strength, power, might 1a) human strength 1b) strength (of angels) 1c) power (of God) 1d) strength (of animals) 1e) strength, produce, wealth (of soil) 2) a small reptile, probably a kind of lizard, which is unclean 2a) perhaps an extinct animal, exact meaning is unknown

{I definitely have no idea how that last part on the reptile part applies but  I'm open to any thoughts}

Recently, I came across an excellent book for me (again like the ones published in October, seemingly a little too late for 2021 - but God is never late, His timing is perfect) ... by Robert J. Morgan (and his wife, Katrina) "The Strength You Need" (from 2016) which shares 12 verses on STRENGTH that he calls 'Strategies' for Extra Strength.

My 2021 Verse just happens to be Strategy 6: "Catch Updrafts like an Eagle". I have collected various eagle items (statues, pictures, etc.)& I've been observing eagles more this year & hoping to catch a better understanding of this updraft & learn from them how to soar with a bit more Strength of the Lord. Currently, I am waiting for a copy of this book to arrive so I can share or learn more about Robert J. Morgan's concept of these strategies and how I can tap into more of God's extra STRENGTH, with STRENGTH strategies from Scripture. Renewed Strength is one of the 12 kinds of STRENGTHS available to every believer according to Robert J. Morgan "for those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength" Isaiah 40:31 so I am filling myself with HOPE in the Lord! 

Hopefully I will be able to share more of Morgan's chosen 12 verses (strategies) and the rest of the kinds of STRENGTH found through scripture. Learning all I can with hope of acquiring all the STRENGTH God has for me in 2021 for the future. Clearly after the last few years (or decades), I need to restore & renew my STRENGTH & God knew this when He impressed this for my 2021 One Word.

This is a really good way for me to prepare my heart for Jesus this Christmas during Advent by leaning into and going from STRENGTH to STRENGTH. Looking forward to finding STRENGTH this Advent with Hope, Peace, Love & JOY hoping that you will join me and perhaps share how HOPE gives you STRENGTH (in the comments) or which of the scripture verses renew your HOPE giving you the STRENGTH this season. 

"STRENGTH FOR EACH DAY"

by Joyce Meyer

[releases October 19, 2021]
"Strength for Each Day" is the 365-day devotional, I should have had to start this past year of 2021, and many of us probably needed this inspiration from Joyce Meyer during the previous year even more. Joyce Meyer knows exactly how and what to share in a one page devotional that is just enough to give and set your mind positively for the day. She speaks right to your life from experience and wisdom. Joyce understands God's Word and what we need to strengthen us in our daily journey. 
Each day starts with a Scripture and ends with a prayer. This makes this reader drawn in right away because these are the ingredients I look for in a devotional book or reading plan. I was able to enjoy a 3 day sample on the You Version Bible app but then I discovered on Joyce's website a 10 day Study, that you can sign up to read, which goes one step beyond the devotional, with a link at the end to "Read More" in an article that Joyce uses to expand on the topic. These whet your appetite well but having this book would be a great asset all year long. Since I started in October and read to the end then the beginning, I realized that you could open to any day and find the Strength for that day.
I do wish that the Publisher (or whoever is responsible for this) would have added a couple more special features: a simple ribbon to bookmark & move each day; and an index, in the back of the book, either of scriptures or topics; since this compact, beautifully designed book does not have a *Content Page of each devotion (probably not used because it's a January - December book; however another one year book I am reading for this year does include one with the date and title of the devotion through the verses of Isaiah). It's helpful to be able to locate more easily a devotion that perhaps is one needed or addresses an issue you would like to go to for Joyce's wise and practical teaching. 
I definitely am encouraged by reading from the concise way that Joyce Meyer is able to show us to spend time with God first, learn from her life experiences and those of others, along with Biblical wisdom and insights; that on your worse day you can discover Strength from God's Word - and hers. Well worth the daily reflection offered in this book filled with gems (of Strength) as always from Joyce Meyer, to lead us through our weariness and weakness to the power of a victory with Strength to "...Make Every Day a Great Day"; and if not, change it (and our mindset to see the blessings even in the hard days). This is a wonderful gift to renew our Strength whenever we may need it and give to others when they do.
 I will refer to this book often & receive the strength Jesus is & gives!


Book Description: 

"Discover a powerful and positive mindset each day of the year with uplifting insights and motivational Bible verses provided by #1 New York Times bestselling author Joyce Meyer. Find new mercies and blessings each day when you spend time with God: reading His Word, listening, and praying for His direction. When you do, God will strengthen and enable you to handle life peacefully and wisely instead of merely trying to get through the day. He will renew your strength and empower you to bear up under trials with patience, so you can experience them with a good attitude. Maintaining a positive view in the midst of something unpleasant is the key to victory, and it enables you to enjoy the journey! With the constant demands and pressures of daily life, it can be hard to regularly pause to be with and listen to God's voice. Joyce's practical teaching format in this 365-day devotional will encourage you to take the time for yourself so that you can receive Strength for Each Day! "

Disclosure: I received a hardbound copy of this book free from the publisher in return for an honest review. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the FTCs 16 CFR, Part 255

  *Update: correction (at least in the ebook format, not the hardbound copy I had) - there is a Content page listing each devotion with date and title. The book I have looks like the image at the top (pink & golden lettering) but I noticed a new beautiful scene of a sunrise or sunset on the new release. The one I have is the more feminine cover & beautifully designed even on each page of the devotion is a floral imprint. 

"You Are Stronger than You Think ..."

Releases on October 12, 2021

I could not wait to begin reading "You are Stronger than You Think ... " by Joel Osteen (Pastor & Author) to learn more from his motivational style of how to "...Unleash the Power to Go Bigger, Go Bold and Go Beyond What Limits You" (the rest of this title) & Pastor Joel, as an author, pastor and motivational speaker, never disappoints - book after book, or message after message to America's largest church in Houston, Texas - Lakewood Church and throughout the world online. 

This book does Go Bigger, and definitely is filled with wise words that go Bold & go Beyond; using biblical and personal, individual stories of people that help us to be Stronger (especially after the year we just went through and continue to face with this pandemic, etc.) in 15 chapters of encouraging words to see ourselves the right way, as God sees us, and the fullness that is in each individual awaiting to wake up, be unleashed and flourish. Each chapter shows us how we are designed with the inner strength and the ability to take on each challenge as we reach for the next level and purpose in our life. 

For many years, I have been encouraged by watching Pastor Joel online & through reading some of his other books. So as I began reading this, I could actually see & hear him speaking these words to me & into my life. As I started off reading Chapter 1, with the same title as the book, I could sense a “can-do power” rising up inside of me & already impacting my attitude & mentality, but then I thought what can he (as the author) possibly add to this message in the next 14 chapters. So I sat back & read on, seeking more of his inspiration & God’s to strengthen me further chapter after chapter. 

I learned that:

• I am stronger than I think; 
• to Invite God into each difficulty; 
• my victory begins (began) in the dark
• to fight for my future; 
• special strength is coming (one of my favorite chapters, although I have favorite parts in each chapter); 
• I am who I say I am; and who God says I am
• I am designed to withstand; 
• and overcome weakness (my favorite chapter & one I really needed); 
• I am still going to get there (that passion & fire is still in me);
• my faith... is anchored in Jesus Christ, so I will stay in faith & release my faith as I walk by faith, not letting negative voices silence my faith & I will throw off the ‘beggar’s coat’;
• I am a ‘nevertheless person’ who sees the impossible as God’s possible miracle; 
• and ‘by this I know’ (like in Psalm 41:11 ) as I proclaim “But God...”;
• the hot winds of testing (though never easy) are meant to develop & strength me & become part of a better me testimony;
• as I keep on walking;
• because I am surrounded by the Most High. 

[The previous bulleted part is a paraphrase of each chapter’s title as I personalized them into what I learned & intend to apply as I will need to reread this often, whenever I may need to recall the strength & power already within me]. 

Thank You Lord, & Pastor Joel for speaking strength back in to this weary & worn soul through faith words in this book.Now I just need to align all these lessons in my heart, mind & life and truly believe that I am "Stronger than You Think" (and I think) and walk in His Strength. This is a great book to help turn around any difficulties, defeat & discouragement with a positive power to overcome & move forward. 

[Because of my personal preference to have each chapter conclude with a prayer, a declaration or scripture, I would rate this only a 4 star for me, however, Joel Osteen writes books that are meant to motivate a wide range of readers, not just religious/spiritual readers, even though he does use scripture stories and Biblical characters well to illustrate his message or point]. Nevertheless ... Joel Osteen has done it again - another successful book with great encouragement that "You are Stronger than You Think"; so overall, this really does deserve a 5 star rating! If you’re feeling tired, weary, worn out — this is for you. If you want to tap into God’s supernatural strength and rise to new levels, this is for you. If you just need to be motivated & encouraged to be stronger than you think & more bold - this is for you or someone you need to encourage. It was for me & will continue to be until I am ...

Book Description

"Unleash the untapped power inside you! You were designed with the ability and inner strength to stretch to the next level, to stand strong and overcome the opposition, to learn new skills, to believe bigger, dream bigger, and to take on new challenges. In You Are Stronger than You Think, #1 New York Times bestselling author Joel Osteen encourages you to stand firm when the difficulty is not turning around. When the pressure mounts, when you feel overwhelmed, when the struggle looks too big, or the goal is out of reach, you have to remember that is not your destiny. You are more powerful than you think. You need to see yourself the right way and realize what’s already inside you. You were made to outlast the competition, to go further than you thought you could, and live a life beyond what limits you. As you read You Are Stronger than You Think, you will find the power to break the cycle of defeat, the courage to set a new standard for your family, the hope to conquer your fear, and the confidence to accomplish every dream. You will discover that you have more strength, more talent, more determination, and more endurance than you ever imagined. Nothing can hold you back…because You Are Stronger than You Think! "

Disclosure: I received a hardbound copy of this book free from the publisher in return for an honest review. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the FTCs 16 CFR, Part 255

Lakewood Church, Joel Osteenshared in Sunday October 10 like a promo
 

God is NOT Finished With Me (and others) Yet - More aMazing Grace

When I began September with my "September STRONG" post, I really was hoping to share more throughout this month of September & more about JESUS STRONG!

My intention was to proceed into October and this final quarter of the year, sharing more on the 2021 Word of Strength (being Strong) through so many Bible verses, yet truly God isn't finished with me still. So, not realizing this fully and what that might entail upon finishing that short 5 day sample plan "Jesus Strong" from Lisa Whittle, I ordered and received promptly her book, thinking it was her new book, only to find out that "The Hard Good" is her newest, "Jesus Over Everything" before that, and that " Put Your Warrior Boots On: Walking Jesus Strong, Once and for All" was written and released back in 2017 - Not that this takes away anything from the value of this book and me reading it, since I totally loved the sample and knew I wanted to read more, so I have it, began reading it...

BUT I was so easily sidetracked once again by another offer of two books being released in October. Both of these books just so happen to not only be in what I call 'my month' ... but also they are about my 2021 Word: Strength/Strong and I was being given the chance to receive and review the books from the Publisher. I couldn't decide which one ... so God did! I will be reviewing that book in the near future, on or before its release date of October 12th. The *other book, not sent, is also from a well-known author that I like, but would have been one that I should have been using for this entire year since it's a 365 day devotional. There's not much left to this year, and although there's much still to gain about Strength, I already know this will not continue to be my One Word for 2022 because I have another one waiting. Anyways, I did read a 3 day sample devotion of the other book in a You Version plan and may consider getting it still in my Kindle when it releases on October 19th. As you can see, I have not revealed either of these new releases, nor their authors. But since I am reading one to review, you will find out that one soon enough. And the other, I will mention after that. 

As we wrap up the month of September, I am also wrapping up the 4th Week in "Take Back Your Life" but not to worry, I still have two more weeks in this 40 day interactive journey to "thinking right so (I)you can live right". Truthfully, I am not really doing very well in this at all. Week 5 is "Be the Difference" and then Week 6 will be "Think Right, Live Right" - so there's still hope for me as I continue & finish each day with the "Breathe, Think, and Live" section, with many questions to ponder & if you were doing with a group - to discuss. For me, this has been a very personal journey and currently looks like I will need a "re-do" of this book. I need to journal more of my ponderings and thoughts as I had intended to do when I started because "this is more than a book;" (as the back of the book reads) "it's an intimate self-analysis tool that helps you recognize what's weighing you down or holding you back and equips you to embrace it head-on ..." AND I am not doing this, as I hoped to so that I can "... become the best version of" myself. In fact, my failing to even interact as I planned is an indication to me that I just wasn't ready to "take back my life". Yes, I was serious about it and that this year of STRENGTH would be the year that I could perhaps handle something like this, however as I read, I discover ... I need to be & stay committed to this immense LIFE task (which I haven't been) and come to realize that I am Stronger than I think and only in God's Strength for Each Day will I be able to think right & live right. Hopefully and prayerfully, that day, my day, is coming soon in Jesus' name

Yes 

God is NOT Finished With Me (and others) Yet - More aMazing Grace

Required 

and
Lots more 
STRENGTH
to be
JESUS STRONG

Thanks Lisa Whittle!all images belong to Lisa Whittle{but her email says you can download & share}so I am

* update on October 1st: I was sent the other book also, so now I really have to get reading to finish & review by their release date. Thanks to this Publisher, I have received a double portion of blessings of STRENGTH for October (and it's just the 1st of the month). 

SEPTEMBER STRENGTH

[Sign up for this 5 day Bible study plan]

I cannot believe that I have not posted anything since PALM SONday and the entire summer has gone by and fall is approaching. However, I most definitely have been pursuing "Strength" every single day, especially in my Bible reading plans & studies. So I can be #Jesus Strong (with Lisa Whittle).

Currently, I am in a 40 day Interactive Journey to "Take Back Your Life" by Levi Lusko among many other OBSs. Plus I just completed one on "Restored" & * "Strengthen Your Faith..." Clearly, by taking back my life, I am hopefully strengthening my faith & perhaps have a totally different idea than Pastor Levi, but if you have read my testimony or know me & my life, you will understand the significance in me taking back my life. On the other side of these 40 days, I hope to be filled with God's power & strength to face better anything our future & my personal future may hold. Only with God's Strength can I overcome my past & build my future based on God's principles & my beliefs. God is the Strength of my life! Without my beliefs, my faith walk & my relationship with Jesus, I don't know where I would be now or throughout my entire life. 

Here are some Promises that strengthened my faith*

"I (you) can trust, because God will never change." Matthew 24:5 "The miracle depends on my (your) response." Matthew 9:28-30a "Having peace of mind is a position of faith." Psalm 46:10 "God is the one who fights for me (you)." 2 Chronicles 20:15 "Sons of Israel (Peggy), march!" Exodus 14:15 "Whoever believes in God will never be ashamed."1 Kings 18:37-39 "Don't give up on what God has promised you." Genesis 15:5

{those were the 7 days of *that plan}

... I AM STRONG & COURAGEOUS ...

Yet another plan of 30 days & a book I have now too!I completed this one on May 1, 2021

I will continue to press on and 
"LIVE WITH STRENGTH & COURAGE"
GOD IS THE STRENGTHof my heart
Perhaps you read the title of this blog, and came here looking for "Strength for September" because you are so weary, or weak and really need some strength to make it through some current situation, crisis or difficult circumstance. I began this post only as an update because I have been away so very long & wanted you to know that I am still here. 
Other than that I had no particular gem of wisdom to share so that you might be filled with God's strength, yet the plans at YouVersion & the Song at the end are the best I have to share because I, myself, am really leaning in and seeking more Strength every day to battle all that currently faces us in this world. We all need more Strength in our daily living. So get in God's Word & seek His Strength in many verses & may you be encouraged this September in the Lord with an abundance of His Strength, which I've read & heard comes through having more JOY ... so sing it out "the JOY of the Lord is my Strength!" (Twila Paris) or maybe this one with Jenn Johnson (Bethel) Joy of the Lord/You Make Me Brave!!! and Joy Unspeakable (Bethel) with Steffany Gretzinger! YES, be filled with Jesus, Others than You (true JOY will come) as You serve in Jesus' name!