There is a sense in which the Christian's life on earth is a dress rehearsal for heaven. Not in terms of costumes and theatrics, but in terms of worship and devotion to the One we will worship for all eternity - the Lamb who sits on the throne of heaven.

If we ask God for a calm, thankful heart that sees all the blessings His grace imparts, He can teach us many lessons in illness that can never be learned in health.

We can be encouraged knowing that our daily actions and words are declaring Christ to the world.

God has stepped in at the last minute more than once in history (remember Moses at the Red Sea?). And He can do the same for you. Keep turning the pages by faith and let the story play out to the end.

The greatest encouragement is conveyed in prayer.

In reading our newspapers today, we can see how God is setting the table, getting everything in order, preparing the way for Christ to return.

A journal is a great way to keep track of what happens daily in your walk with God and to record your prayers and thoughts.