Hope in Hard Times

Hope in hard times is our shield and strength. In hope we look to God, our ever-present hope in hard times. The truth is that in life there will be trouble, some small, some great, but God will hear us and help us. Even when I shake with fear and fight despair I know this to be true.

When I think on the Word of God, when I remind myself that God is faithful, I smile at the words "but God…" However, God is the light of hope and hope does not fail.

• The blessing of the LORD brings wealth, and he adds no trouble to it. (Prov 10:22)
• The LORD is a refuge for the oppressed, a stronghold in times of trouble. Those who know your name will trust in you, for you, LORD, have never forsaken those who seek you. (Psalm 9:9-10)
• God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. (Psalm 46:1)
• In the day of my trouble I will call to you, for you will answer me. (Psalm 86:7)
• A righteous man may have many troubles, but the LORD delivers him from them all; (Psalm 34:19)

Hope

I hear the Lord, He calls to me,

"Believe Me one more day, 

I'm on your side, I'm in your heart, 
I won't turn you away.

Pick up the laughter, hold the joy, 

Embrace the dream, and stay. 
Grab hold the hope, protect your heart. 
For now I make the way. 
Like streams where none have been before, 
Like desert roses bloom, 
I am Creator, pure and good. 
The way will be clear soon."

Do not give up.

Being Christian in Hard Times

Being a Christian doesn't mean we won't face hard times. I am facing hard times. But I know God will help me. I have to laugh. The Word says "ask, and keep on asking, seek, and keep on seek, knock and keep on knocking." So I ask a lot. Sometimes I wonder if God gets tired of me asking, but I remember that God is good all the time.

I have been trying to get Bank of America to work with me on my house payments. I practice the Word. I ask and keep on asking. I wondered if others were going through the same thing, but not being as tenacious as me. I advise anyone going through this to be diligent.

I wrote a letter to the White House explaining the situation. Guess what? The President wrote back. My case has been assigned to the homeownership prevention office. I spoke with the homeownership prevention office, discovered they will speak with Bank of America and escalate a resolution.

I praise God for His Word, "ask and keep on asking."

You can read my diary of my dealings with Bank of America:

Bank of America-The President Listened
Bank of America: Who's Home is It
Bank of America Remains Unbending
Bank of America: Ensuring Individuals Enter Default
Bank of America: Here to Make You Homeless

Will Beating Your Child Bring Results

Can beating your child really bring results? The recent case of the Texas judge beating his child because the teen consistently defied the father's request to stop downloading music and movies from the internet, I wonder why the dad didn't just take the computer away. It certainly is a more effective way to make the child realize the consequences of disobedience.

When I think of parents beating their children in the hopes of making them behave, I wonder what the parent is thinking. Perhaps the beating arises from pent up frustrations because other methods have not worked. But I question the parents' ability to apply consistent discipline.

Spanking a child is not beating a child. Spanking is most appropriate for young children. The older the child, the more discipline aids the parent has at his or her disposal. Restricting the activities of an older child usually brings compliance more quickly because an older child can realize that certain behaviors will result in loss of privilege.

Good parenting involves consistent reasonable discipline. God teaches us not to discipline our children with anger that only fuels the rebellion. Rather to apply discipline in a consistent, loving manner:

• Discipline your son, for in that there is hope; do not be a willing party to his death. (Prov. 19:18)
• Discipline your son, and he will give you peace; he will bring delight to your soul. (Prov. 29:17)
• The rod of correction imparts wisdom, but a child left to himself disgraces his mother. (Prov 29:15)
• He who spares the rod hates his son, but he who loves him is careful to discipline him. (Prov 13.24)

While the word "rod" conjures up images of sticks and belts, God is not saying to beat your child with a belt or stick. Parents have many "rods" at their disposal:

• Time-out 
• No television 
• No computer 
• No social event

Using these rods in a consistent way will help your child to understand that actions have consequence. And these rods may have a better effect than a belt.

When Spanking is Beating: Parental Bullies

Loving Our Kids On Purpose: Making A Heart-To-Heart Connection