Author: cherylz1961

Cheryl Zelenka is a retired teacher, author, single mom, and brain tumor survivor. Her passion to encourage others with the Word of God is why she writes her Christian Encouragement blog, http://facingtrials.com Her first book, Facing Trials: Thoughts For Meditation is now available on on West Bow Press. http://bookstore.westbowpress.com/AdvancedSearch/Default.aspx? SearchTerm=Zelenka Her second book is a unique Bible Study called Divine Interruptions. Using the book of Job, Cheryl intertwines her struggle recovering from a brain tumor to his trial and the lessons he learned. http://facingtrials.com/ http://weepingintodancing.com/ http://inspirationalchristiansfortoday.com/
ONLINE MAGAZINE

Taming The Tongue

cherylz1961

12170725_563323960483087_633490962_n

Author: Cheryl Zelenka

The book of James warns us about the power behind each man’s tongue. This body part may be small, but it is capable of inflicting great damage if we do not learn to harness it. In fact, man cannot tame his tongue on his own. It requires the indwelling of the Holy Spirit and constant attention to self-control. Even then, there will be moments when a misspoken word causes us to sin. However, there is a reward for bringing our tongue into submission, so strive to train it! For if we master our tongues we also bridle our entire body!

“For we all stumble in many things. If anyone does not stumble in word, he is a perfect man, able also to bridle the whole body. Indeed, we put bits in horses’ mouths that they may obey us, and we turn their whole body. Look also at ships: although they are so large and are driven by fierce winds, they are turned by a very small rudder wherever the pilot desires.” James 3:2-4  Continue reading “Taming The Tongue” →

ONLINE MAGAZINE

Seeking God: ALL Are Called To Pray

cherylz1961

12166303_561794603969356_39715448_n

Author: Cheryl Zelenka

“Seek the Lord and His strength; Seek His face evermore!” 1 Chronicles 16:11 

Spiritual work is HARD work. Prayer is often arduous. It requires time, concentrated focus, and humility. Prayer is more than mere meditation. Rather, it is the means by which every saint cultivates intimacy with God. To commune is to converse or talk together, usually with profound intensity and intimacy. Often there is an interchange of thoughts or feelings.

“Spiritual work is taxing work, and men are loath to do it. Praying, true praying, costs an outlay of serious attention and of time, which flesh and blood do not relish.” ~ E.M. Bounds Continue reading “Seeking God: ALL Are Called To Pray” →

ONLINE MAGAZINE

Trusting God’s Goodness

cherylz1961

12092718_559553890860094_595536975_n

Author: Cheryl Zelenka

The widow was left alone to tend the farm. Her husband and son had died in the war and now she alone had to bring in the harvest. She could hire laborers, but there was no money to pay them. She needed the produce to make it through the winter and buy seed for the spring.

Still reeling with grief, she lacked the energy and desire to finish the task. How could she manage the harvest? Why had God left her to weather such an impossible storm?

Adversities, and the problems we find within them, often suck the air right out of us. We see a mountain before us and cannot see any way around it, and the thought of climbing it is overwhelming. It is beyond our strength. We spend nights awake filled with worry. Stressed, we forget God is aware of our circumstances and has the power to help if we but cry out to Him and TRUST.

In reality, in this life many of the things we face are beyond our strength. God designs circumstances with the hope that we will cry out to Him for assistance. He wants us to rely on Him.

As our Creator, “He knows our frame; He remembers that we are dust.” Psalm 103:14

We can either let the trial crush us or ask God to strengthen and help us overcome the foreboding obstacle. Continue reading “Trusting God’s Goodness” →

ONLINE MAGAZINE

Are You Persistent In Prayer?

cherylz1961

12067210_557796384369178_567970691_n

Author: Cheryl Zelenka

The Bible is full of scriptures encouraging believers to be tireless in prayer. It is God’s will that we seek Him out. We should be devoted, persistent, and steady in our prayer life. Our communication with God should not only be daily but continuous throughout the day.

“Continue earnestly in prayer, being vigilant in it with thanksgiving.” Colossians 4:2 

“Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 

Although God hears every prayer and enjoys our fellowship during intercession, prayer requests are not always answered within our timeframe. We should not assume God has turned a deaf ear to our petition if pleas are not answered immediately. Our requests might not be aligned with God’s will or sin might be tainting our appeal. Even Habakkuk expressed frustration and impatience over God’s delay in answering a prayer request. Continue reading “Are You Persistent In Prayer?” →