From: Love Worth Finding
“Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled.” Matthew 5:6
Happiness is something you stumble over on your way to serving Jesus. When you are serving the Lord Jesus Christ, happiness is the by-product of righteousness. People who are trying to be happy are focusing their energy at the wrong target. If you will seek after righteousness, then you will be happy.
What you need is to drink of the Spirit. It is to feed on the Word of God. The deepest need of your heart will be met only in Jesus.
Ask the Lord to fill you with His presence, to fulfill the deepest need of your heart in Him and Him alone. Now trust Him to do it.
Showing posts with label Words of Encouragement. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Words of Encouragement. Show all posts
May 08, 2010
Encouraging Words 5/8/10 The Reason We Are Stressed
From: Love Worth Finding
“Wherefore, if God so clothe the grass of the field, which today is, and tomorrow is cast into the oven, shall He not much more clothe you, O ye of little faith?” Matthew 6:30
Do you know the reason we’re stressed? Because we think our needs are not going to be met. We say, “Oh my goodness, I’m not going to have what I need!”
Jesus tells us not to worry about what you are going to eat. And don’t worry about what you are going to wear. He’s saying only one thing is important – His righteousness. These things don’t even take significance until your deepest needs are met. You are to find your satisfaction in Him. If you don’t find your satisfaction in Him, you’re going to be stressed.
Are you stressed out about something today? Turn it over to Jesus and turn your focus to Him. Let Jesus meet your needs and transform your heart today.
“Wherefore, if God so clothe the grass of the field, which today is, and tomorrow is cast into the oven, shall He not much more clothe you, O ye of little faith?” Matthew 6:30
Do you know the reason we’re stressed? Because we think our needs are not going to be met. We say, “Oh my goodness, I’m not going to have what I need!”
Jesus tells us not to worry about what you are going to eat. And don’t worry about what you are going to wear. He’s saying only one thing is important – His righteousness. These things don’t even take significance until your deepest needs are met. You are to find your satisfaction in Him. If you don’t find your satisfaction in Him, you’re going to be stressed.
Are you stressed out about something today? Turn it over to Jesus and turn your focus to Him. Let Jesus meet your needs and transform your heart today.
May 07, 2010
Encouraging Words 5/7/10 Biblical Hope, A Firm Certainty
From: Love Worth Finding
“For Thou art my hope, O Lord God: Thou art my trust from my youth.” Psalm 71:5
What does the word “hope” mean in the Bible? It doesn’t mean “maybe.” We may use it that way in Modern English, but that’s not what the word “hope” means in the Bible.
“Hope” means certainty, but not just any certainty. It is rock-ribbed assurance with anticipation based on the Word of God. When I was a little boy, my dad would take us out for a ride on Sunday afternoon. The kids would be in the back seat getting into squabbles. If things got too heated, my dad would turn around and say, “When you boys get home, I’m going to whip you.” With my dad, I knew this was a rock-ribbed truth!
Our hope, however, is glad anticipation!
Share the hope of eternal life in Jesus Christ with someone today. Maybe there’s someone at the hospital who needs a word of hope. Maybe it’s a member of your family!
“For Thou art my hope, O Lord God: Thou art my trust from my youth.” Psalm 71:5
What does the word “hope” mean in the Bible? It doesn’t mean “maybe.” We may use it that way in Modern English, but that’s not what the word “hope” means in the Bible.
“Hope” means certainty, but not just any certainty. It is rock-ribbed assurance with anticipation based on the Word of God. When I was a little boy, my dad would take us out for a ride on Sunday afternoon. The kids would be in the back seat getting into squabbles. If things got too heated, my dad would turn around and say, “When you boys get home, I’m going to whip you.” With my dad, I knew this was a rock-ribbed truth!
Our hope, however, is glad anticipation!
Share the hope of eternal life in Jesus Christ with someone today. Maybe there’s someone at the hospital who needs a word of hope. Maybe it’s a member of your family!
May 06, 2010
Encouraging Words 5/6/10 It's All About Jesus
From: Love Worth Finding
“But He was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon Him; and with His stripes we are healed.” Isaiah 53:5
The thing I love about the Old Testament is the thing I love about the New Testament. The Old Testament and the New Testament both are the inspired Word of God. Don’t get the idea that the Old Testament has a message different from the New Testament. All of the Bible is about Jesus. If you read the Bible and you don’t find Jesus, you better go reread it.
Somebody may ask if you have read the four gospels, and you can answer them, “I’ve read all sixty-six!”
From Genesis to Revelation,
•It has the same villain – Satan.
•It has the same hero – Jesus.
•It has the same purpose – to present salvation in no other name but Jesus.
Read Isaiah 53. What are the prophecies that were fulfilled in the life of Christ?
“But He was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon Him; and with His stripes we are healed.” Isaiah 53:5
The thing I love about the Old Testament is the thing I love about the New Testament. The Old Testament and the New Testament both are the inspired Word of God. Don’t get the idea that the Old Testament has a message different from the New Testament. All of the Bible is about Jesus. If you read the Bible and you don’t find Jesus, you better go reread it.
Somebody may ask if you have read the four gospels, and you can answer them, “I’ve read all sixty-six!”
From Genesis to Revelation,
•It has the same villain – Satan.
•It has the same hero – Jesus.
•It has the same purpose – to present salvation in no other name but Jesus.
Read Isaiah 53. What are the prophecies that were fulfilled in the life of Christ?
May 05, 2010
Encouraging Words 5/5/10 Over Our Heads, But Under His Feet
From: Love Worth Finding
“For He hath put all things under His feet. . .” 1 Corinthians 15:27
Praise God! The story has a happy ending! He is risen! Jesus is sitting at the right hand of God at this very moment, interceding on your behalf (Romans 8:34). And His prayers are always answered.
When the problems of your life are over your head, remember they are under His feet. Where is His head? It is in the heavenlies, interceding for you.
Where are your problems? Under His feet.
Jesus is alive and waiting in the wings to return for you!
Is there someone in your life who is struggling? Write them a note of encouragement and use Romans 8:34 as a closing verse of hope.
“For He hath put all things under His feet. . .” 1 Corinthians 15:27
Praise God! The story has a happy ending! He is risen! Jesus is sitting at the right hand of God at this very moment, interceding on your behalf (Romans 8:34). And His prayers are always answered.
When the problems of your life are over your head, remember they are under His feet. Where is His head? It is in the heavenlies, interceding for you.
Where are your problems? Under His feet.
Jesus is alive and waiting in the wings to return for you!
Is there someone in your life who is struggling? Write them a note of encouragement and use Romans 8:34 as a closing verse of hope.
May 04, 2010
Encouraging Words 5/4/10 God's Omnipotence in Creation
From: Love Worth Finding
“In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth.” Genesis 1:1
An eloquent preacher said, “God stepped from behind the curtain of nowhere and stood upon the platform of nothing and spoke a world into existence.” God is the creator of all that your hand can touch, your eye can see, your ears can hear, and your nose can smell. If you see a watch, I hope you assume there’s a watchmaker. And if you see the precise atomic flux of the universe, I hope that you don’t believe that happened by chance. The evolutionists believe that if you take billions of years and add time plus chance, that you can turn frogs into princes. In school they call that fairy tales. In the laboratory they call it science.
God spoke your life into existence. His Word sustains your breath. His Word can silence your breath. Thank Him for your life today!
“In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth.” Genesis 1:1
An eloquent preacher said, “God stepped from behind the curtain of nowhere and stood upon the platform of nothing and spoke a world into existence.” God is the creator of all that your hand can touch, your eye can see, your ears can hear, and your nose can smell. If you see a watch, I hope you assume there’s a watchmaker. And if you see the precise atomic flux of the universe, I hope that you don’t believe that happened by chance. The evolutionists believe that if you take billions of years and add time plus chance, that you can turn frogs into princes. In school they call that fairy tales. In the laboratory they call it science.
God spoke your life into existence. His Word sustains your breath. His Word can silence your breath. Thank Him for your life today!
May 03, 2010
Encouraging Words 5/3/10 The Wakeup Call
From: Love Worth Finding
“And that, knowing the time, that now it is high time to awake out of sleep: for now is our salvation nearer than when we believed.” Romans 13:11
Do you know what Napoleon said about China? “There lies a sleeping giant, and let him sleep, because if he awakens, he will shake the world.” I believe the devil says that about the church of the Lord Jesus Christ. And I believe the church is just that—a sleeping giant. We’re asleep because we have been chloroformed by the spirit of this age. We’re bombarded on every side by all kinds of amusement. Do you know what amuse means? It’s a combination of two words. Muse means to think, and the alpha prefix in front of it means not to. We are a generation that is amusing ourselves into oblivion. And it’s time to wake up!
Are you taking the Christian life seriously? If this were your last day on earth, how would you spend it? In amusement? Or in evangelism?
“And that, knowing the time, that now it is high time to awake out of sleep: for now is our salvation nearer than when we believed.” Romans 13:11
Do you know what Napoleon said about China? “There lies a sleeping giant, and let him sleep, because if he awakens, he will shake the world.” I believe the devil says that about the church of the Lord Jesus Christ. And I believe the church is just that—a sleeping giant. We’re asleep because we have been chloroformed by the spirit of this age. We’re bombarded on every side by all kinds of amusement. Do you know what amuse means? It’s a combination of two words. Muse means to think, and the alpha prefix in front of it means not to. We are a generation that is amusing ourselves into oblivion. And it’s time to wake up!
Are you taking the Christian life seriously? If this were your last day on earth, how would you spend it? In amusement? Or in evangelism?
May 01, 2010
Encouraging Words 5/1/10 Praying in Secret
From: Love Worth Finding
“But thou, when thou prayest, enter into thy closet, and when thou hast shut thy door, pray to thy Father which is in secret; and thy Father which seeth in secret shall reward thee openly.” Matthew 6:6
What did our Lord mean when He said, “Enter into your closet to pray”? The word “closet” simply means somewhere where you can shut the door on the world and open the windows to heaven.
As you study the life of Jesus, you’ll discover that Jesus sought times to be alone. Sometimes He would go on a mountain, sometimes into the wilderness, and sometimes into a garden. It is the secret place that is the sacred place.
The mark of your prayer life is not really how well you pray in public but in private.
When you enter your closet to pray,
•spend some time in silence
•clear your mind
•listen for His Words of edification, encouragement, and exhortation
“But thou, when thou prayest, enter into thy closet, and when thou hast shut thy door, pray to thy Father which is in secret; and thy Father which seeth in secret shall reward thee openly.” Matthew 6:6
What did our Lord mean when He said, “Enter into your closet to pray”? The word “closet” simply means somewhere where you can shut the door on the world and open the windows to heaven.
As you study the life of Jesus, you’ll discover that Jesus sought times to be alone. Sometimes He would go on a mountain, sometimes into the wilderness, and sometimes into a garden. It is the secret place that is the sacred place.
The mark of your prayer life is not really how well you pray in public but in private.
When you enter your closet to pray,
•spend some time in silence
•clear your mind
•listen for His Words of edification, encouragement, and exhortation
April 30, 2010
Encouraging Words 4/30/10 Starting Your Day Out Right
From: Love Worth Finding
“My voice shalt Thou hear in the morning, O Lord; in the morning will I direct my prayer unto Thee, and will look up.” Psalm 5:3
Christianity is a love relationship. You cannot love someone that you do not know, and you cannot know someone that you don’t spend quality time with.
•To know Jesus is to love Him.
•To love Him is to trust Him.
•To trust Him is to obey Him.
•To obey Him is to be blessed.
It begins with a quality, daily communication with the Lord.
Why is it best to spend time with the Lord in the morning? Because you are getting ready to go on a road trip through life. You don’t take the trip and then read the map, do you?
How are you starting your mornings? With a cup of coffee and the paper? Or with the pure milk of the Word and the light of His presence?
“My voice shalt Thou hear in the morning, O Lord; in the morning will I direct my prayer unto Thee, and will look up.” Psalm 5:3
Christianity is a love relationship. You cannot love someone that you do not know, and you cannot know someone that you don’t spend quality time with.
•To know Jesus is to love Him.
•To love Him is to trust Him.
•To trust Him is to obey Him.
•To obey Him is to be blessed.
It begins with a quality, daily communication with the Lord.
Why is it best to spend time with the Lord in the morning? Because you are getting ready to go on a road trip through life. You don’t take the trip and then read the map, do you?
How are you starting your mornings? With a cup of coffee and the paper? Or with the pure milk of the Word and the light of His presence?
April 29, 2010
Encouraging Words 4/29/10 Keeping the Law
From: Love Worth Finding
“For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God.” Romans 3:23
Suppose you are driving down the road and a police officer stops you for running a red light.
You say to the officer, “I ran a red light, but you have no right to give me a ticket because I have stopped at all the other streets, and I have obeyed the speed limit.”
He responds, “Don’t tell me about all the things that you’ve done good. You’ve broken the law.”
If you think that you’re going to be saved by keeping the law, then you must keep all of it because God demands perfection. No amount of obedience can make up for one act of disobedience.
If you keep the whole law and yet offend in one point you are guilty of it all.
Read Romans 7:1 – 8:4. Can you relate to Paul’s quandary about keeping the law and the war within his members concerning its requirement of absolute obedience?
Praise God, Jesus fulfilled all the requirements of the law and we are saved by believing in Him.
“For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God.” Romans 3:23
Suppose you are driving down the road and a police officer stops you for running a red light.
You say to the officer, “I ran a red light, but you have no right to give me a ticket because I have stopped at all the other streets, and I have obeyed the speed limit.”
He responds, “Don’t tell me about all the things that you’ve done good. You’ve broken the law.”
If you think that you’re going to be saved by keeping the law, then you must keep all of it because God demands perfection. No amount of obedience can make up for one act of disobedience.
If you keep the whole law and yet offend in one point you are guilty of it all.
Read Romans 7:1 – 8:4. Can you relate to Paul’s quandary about keeping the law and the war within his members concerning its requirement of absolute obedience?
Praise God, Jesus fulfilled all the requirements of the law and we are saved by believing in Him.
April 28, 2010
Encouraging Words 4/28/10 Heaven, A Place On God's Map
From: Love Worth Finding
“I go to prepare a place for you.” John 14:2
Do you believe that there is a home in heaven waiting for you?
There is because Jesus cannot lie. He is Truth incarnate. He always told the truth. He said, “if it were not so, I would have told you.”
Jesus would not let the hope of heaven go on beating in your heart if it were simply a lie, a superstition, or a fond delusion.
Heaven is not merely a state of mind. It is not a condition. It is a place so real that Jesus is there in a literal, resurrected body. There is a body in this place called heaven. It is His resurrected body.
Heaven is a place on God’s map.
Do you have a dream home? If you’ve never thought about what would be your perfect home, think about your heavenly home. Nothing could be more perfect!
“I go to prepare a place for you.” John 14:2
Do you believe that there is a home in heaven waiting for you?
There is because Jesus cannot lie. He is Truth incarnate. He always told the truth. He said, “if it were not so, I would have told you.”
Jesus would not let the hope of heaven go on beating in your heart if it were simply a lie, a superstition, or a fond delusion.
Heaven is not merely a state of mind. It is not a condition. It is a place so real that Jesus is there in a literal, resurrected body. There is a body in this place called heaven. It is His resurrected body.
Heaven is a place on God’s map.
Do you have a dream home? If you’ve never thought about what would be your perfect home, think about your heavenly home. Nothing could be more perfect!
April 27, 2010
Encouraging Words 4/27/10 Saving the Worst for Last
From: Love Worth Finding
“But covet earnestly the best gifts: and yet show I unto you a more excellent way.” 1 Corinthians 12:31
Satan always gives the best first and the worst last. For example, Proverbs 20:17 says, “The bread of deceit is sweet, but afterwards his mouth shall be filled with gravel.” With Satan, it always starts sweet, but it does not end that way.
Satan is a counterfeiter and a deceiver, and he is guilty of false advertising.
•He doesn’t show the drunkard in the gutter covered with flies.
•He doesn’t show the addict shaking uncontrollably from another night of detox.
•He doesn’t show the ruined lives from sexually transmitted diseases.
He always gives the best first and the worst last. Jesus gives the best last.
Do you have a teenager in your home? Then, call a homeless shelter or prison and see if you can bring in your teen for a tour.
“But covet earnestly the best gifts: and yet show I unto you a more excellent way.” 1 Corinthians 12:31
Satan always gives the best first and the worst last. For example, Proverbs 20:17 says, “The bread of deceit is sweet, but afterwards his mouth shall be filled with gravel.” With Satan, it always starts sweet, but it does not end that way.
Satan is a counterfeiter and a deceiver, and he is guilty of false advertising.
•He doesn’t show the drunkard in the gutter covered with flies.
•He doesn’t show the addict shaking uncontrollably from another night of detox.
•He doesn’t show the ruined lives from sexually transmitted diseases.
He always gives the best first and the worst last. Jesus gives the best last.
Do you have a teenager in your home? Then, call a homeless shelter or prison and see if you can bring in your teen for a tour.
April 26, 2010
Encouraging Words 4/26/10 Handling the Sting of Criticism
From: Love Worth Finding
“I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave Himself for me.” Galatians 2:20
God loves you so much that Jesus Christ hung in agony and blood for you.
•You are precious to God.
•You are the object of God’s love.
•The blood of Jesus Christ was poured out on Calvary for you.
Friend, if you know all that, then you can stand up against any criticism. It won’t bother you what others say about you. The cross sets you free.
He who died for you now lives in you. He gave Himself for you that He might give Himself to you.
When Jesus Christ died for you, He didn’t just take away your sins, He took away yourself. You are crucified. So who can harm a dead man?
Have you felt the sting of criticism this week? Remove the stinger and bathe the wound with the balm of Jesus’ love. Give your critic to the Lord. Then, ask God to teach you from what happened.
“I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave Himself for me.” Galatians 2:20
God loves you so much that Jesus Christ hung in agony and blood for you.
•You are precious to God.
•You are the object of God’s love.
•The blood of Jesus Christ was poured out on Calvary for you.
Friend, if you know all that, then you can stand up against any criticism. It won’t bother you what others say about you. The cross sets you free.
He who died for you now lives in you. He gave Himself for you that He might give Himself to you.
When Jesus Christ died for you, He didn’t just take away your sins, He took away yourself. You are crucified. So who can harm a dead man?
Have you felt the sting of criticism this week? Remove the stinger and bathe the wound with the balm of Jesus’ love. Give your critic to the Lord. Then, ask God to teach you from what happened.
April 24, 2010
Encouraging Words 4/24/10 The Only One Who Ever Chose to Die
From: Love Worth Finding
“I am the Good Shepherd: the Good Shepherd giveth His life for the sheep.” John 10:11
Did you know that there has only been one person who ever chose to die? Only one.
"Oh," you say, "Suicide pilots choose to die. Other people choose to die. People who die by their own hand choose to die. People who give themselves for others choose to die."
But really no one has ever chosen to die except Jesus. Why? Because He was the only One who didn’t have to die. Some people may choose to die a little sooner, but nobody has ever truly chosen to die except for One — Jesus.
It wasn’t nails that held Him to the tree. It was the silver cords of love and the golden bonds of redemption that held Jesus Christ to that cross.
The fact that no one has ever chosen to die but Jesus, may be a new concept to you. If so, it’s probably new to someone else as well. Share it with someone today!
“I am the Good Shepherd: the Good Shepherd giveth His life for the sheep.” John 10:11
Did you know that there has only been one person who ever chose to die? Only one.
"Oh," you say, "Suicide pilots choose to die. Other people choose to die. People who die by their own hand choose to die. People who give themselves for others choose to die."
But really no one has ever chosen to die except Jesus. Why? Because He was the only One who didn’t have to die. Some people may choose to die a little sooner, but nobody has ever truly chosen to die except for One — Jesus.
It wasn’t nails that held Him to the tree. It was the silver cords of love and the golden bonds of redemption that held Jesus Christ to that cross.
The fact that no one has ever chosen to die but Jesus, may be a new concept to you. If so, it’s probably new to someone else as well. Share it with someone today!
April 23, 2010
Encouraging Words 4/23/10 The Enduring Beauty of the Word of God
From: Love Worth Finding
“For all flesh is as grass, and all the glory of man as the flower of grass. The grass withereth, and the flower thereof falleth away: But the Word of the Lord endureth for ever.” 1 Peter 1:24-25
The Bible is the incontestable, incorruptible, indestructible, and indispensable Word of God.
•No one can argue with it.
•Nothing can corrupt it.
•Nothing can destroy it.
•Nothing can replace it as the source and wellspring of life.
The late Dr. Robert G. Lee, a great preacher of the last generation, had this to say about the Bible:
"All of its enemies have not torn one hole in its holy vesture, or stolen one flower from its wonderful garden, nor diluted one honey from its abundant hive, nor broken one string of its thousand-stringed harp, nor drowned one sweet word in infidel ink."
Today, tell God how much your life has changed because of His Word. Meet together with a group of friends or your family and discuss the ways God has ministered to you through His Word.
“For all flesh is as grass, and all the glory of man as the flower of grass. The grass withereth, and the flower thereof falleth away: But the Word of the Lord endureth for ever.” 1 Peter 1:24-25
The Bible is the incontestable, incorruptible, indestructible, and indispensable Word of God.
•No one can argue with it.
•Nothing can corrupt it.
•Nothing can destroy it.
•Nothing can replace it as the source and wellspring of life.
The late Dr. Robert G. Lee, a great preacher of the last generation, had this to say about the Bible:
"All of its enemies have not torn one hole in its holy vesture, or stolen one flower from its wonderful garden, nor diluted one honey from its abundant hive, nor broken one string of its thousand-stringed harp, nor drowned one sweet word in infidel ink."
Today, tell God how much your life has changed because of His Word. Meet together with a group of friends or your family and discuss the ways God has ministered to you through His Word.
April 22, 2010
Encouraging Words 4/22/10 Experience the Abundant Life
From: Love Worth Finding
“I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly.” John 10:10
Do you know what is wrong with many of us? We are trying to get out of trouble rather than get into righteousness. We are so focused on the defensive side of Christianity that we forget about offensive, positive approach.
•Wouldn’t you like to get up and stay up?
•Wouldn’t you like to experience the abundant life our Lord talks about?
Jesus came to give us eternal life. He came to give us the abundant life. We need to do like the old song says, and “Accentuate the positive. Eliminate the negative.”
“I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly.” John 10:10
Do you know what is wrong with many of us? We are trying to get out of trouble rather than get into righteousness. We are so focused on the defensive side of Christianity that we forget about offensive, positive approach.
•Wouldn’t you like to get up and stay up?
•Wouldn’t you like to experience the abundant life our Lord talks about?
Jesus came to give us eternal life. He came to give us the abundant life. We need to do like the old song says, and “Accentuate the positive. Eliminate the negative.”
April 21, 2010
Encouraging Words 4/21/10 More Blessed to Give Than to Receive
From: Love Worth Finding
“...remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how He said, It is more blessed to give than to receive.” Acts 20:35
Unhappiness comes from mirrors. Happiness comes from windows. If you want to be miserable, then think about yourself first...
•what you want,
•what people are saying about you,
•what you ought to have done for you,
•how down you feel,
•how good you feel.
Just focus on yourself. Feeling good yet? If you are, then something is wrong. Selfishness and happiness just don’t go hand in hand.
If you’re thinking it is better to receive than to give, then you’ll never be happy. You’ll never experience the blessing of giving that Jesus taught.
Hold out your hand and make a fist for at least one minute. Now, relax. Which feels better — the clinched fist or the relaxed and flexible hand?
Imagine that your spirit is tight like that fist and think of how severely that can quench His work in your life. Now relax and submit your spirit to the One who truly blesses.
“...remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how He said, It is more blessed to give than to receive.” Acts 20:35
Unhappiness comes from mirrors. Happiness comes from windows. If you want to be miserable, then think about yourself first...
•what you want,
•what people are saying about you,
•what you ought to have done for you,
•how down you feel,
•how good you feel.
Just focus on yourself. Feeling good yet? If you are, then something is wrong. Selfishness and happiness just don’t go hand in hand.
If you’re thinking it is better to receive than to give, then you’ll never be happy. You’ll never experience the blessing of giving that Jesus taught.
Hold out your hand and make a fist for at least one minute. Now, relax. Which feels better — the clinched fist or the relaxed and flexible hand?
Imagine that your spirit is tight like that fist and think of how severely that can quench His work in your life. Now relax and submit your spirit to the One who truly blesses.
Encouraging Words 4/20/10 Determining Your Course of Action
From: Love Worth Finding
“My heart is fixed, O God, my heart is fixed: I will sing and give praise.” Psalm 57:7
When I was in college, I kept a motto on my desk that said, “He who would not fall down ought not to walk in slippery places.”
•Keep yourself clean.
•Keep yourself pure.
•Watch what you set before your eyes.
There needs to be discipline. Job said, “I made a covenant with my eyes not to look upon a maid” (Job 31:1). If we are to have a walk of purity in obedience to God, we must determine ahead of time what our course of action will be.
One big decision will take care of a lot of little ones.
Are you going on a trip alone any time soon? If so, make the decision right now to keep your walk pure and holy for God’s glory.
“My heart is fixed, O God, my heart is fixed: I will sing and give praise.” Psalm 57:7
When I was in college, I kept a motto on my desk that said, “He who would not fall down ought not to walk in slippery places.”
•Keep yourself clean.
•Keep yourself pure.
•Watch what you set before your eyes.
There needs to be discipline. Job said, “I made a covenant with my eyes not to look upon a maid” (Job 31:1). If we are to have a walk of purity in obedience to God, we must determine ahead of time what our course of action will be.
One big decision will take care of a lot of little ones.
Are you going on a trip alone any time soon? If so, make the decision right now to keep your walk pure and holy for God’s glory.
April 19, 2010
Encouraging Words 4/19/10 Procrastination is a Sin
From: Love Worth Finding
“Therefore to him that knoweth to do good, and doeth it not, to him it is sin.” James 4:17
Are you one of those people who believes, “Put off until tomorrow what you could be doing today”? This is one of those times when the fingers pointing back at me outnumber the one that’s pointing to you! What am I talking about? Procrastination.
Did you know that procrastination is a sin? I say that because sin is not merely doing wrong, it is failing to do what you ought to do. Procrastination and disobedience are just different shades of the same sin.
I heard a quote once that said it well:
When you have a job to do, begin this very hour. You supply the will, God supplies the power.
That is the will power we need to instantly obey!
Has a certain task been hounding you? Confess your procrastination as sin. And act now; don’t hesitate.
•Yesterday is gone.
•Tomorrow may never come.
•Today is the day!
“Therefore to him that knoweth to do good, and doeth it not, to him it is sin.” James 4:17
Are you one of those people who believes, “Put off until tomorrow what you could be doing today”? This is one of those times when the fingers pointing back at me outnumber the one that’s pointing to you! What am I talking about? Procrastination.
Did you know that procrastination is a sin? I say that because sin is not merely doing wrong, it is failing to do what you ought to do. Procrastination and disobedience are just different shades of the same sin.
I heard a quote once that said it well:
When you have a job to do, begin this very hour. You supply the will, God supplies the power.
That is the will power we need to instantly obey!
Has a certain task been hounding you? Confess your procrastination as sin. And act now; don’t hesitate.
•Yesterday is gone.
•Tomorrow may never come.
•Today is the day!
April 17, 2010
Encouraging Words 4/17/10 The Voice of the Lord
From: Love Worth Finding
“The voice of the Lord is upon the waters: the God of glory thundereth.” Psalm 29:3
Some people think it’s a waste of time to simply sit at God’s feet and listen. It is not a waste of time to wait on God any more than a woodchopper is wasting time when he sharpens his axe.
Charles Hummel wrote a booklet entitled “Tyranny of the Urgent.” In it, he said:
•When we fail to wait prayerfully for God’s guidance and strength we are saying, with our actions if not our lips, that we do not need Him….
•Prayerful waiting on God is indispensable to effective service. Like the time-out in a football game, it enables us to catch our breath and fix new strategy…
•The need is not the call. The call must come from the Lord who knows our limitations.
Read Psalm 29. Count how many times the phrase, the “voice of the Lord” is repeated. Spend at least that many minutes listening for His voice and trusting He will speak His will to you.
“The voice of the Lord is upon the waters: the God of glory thundereth.” Psalm 29:3
Some people think it’s a waste of time to simply sit at God’s feet and listen. It is not a waste of time to wait on God any more than a woodchopper is wasting time when he sharpens his axe.
Charles Hummel wrote a booklet entitled “Tyranny of the Urgent.” In it, he said:
•When we fail to wait prayerfully for God’s guidance and strength we are saying, with our actions if not our lips, that we do not need Him….
•Prayerful waiting on God is indispensable to effective service. Like the time-out in a football game, it enables us to catch our breath and fix new strategy…
•The need is not the call. The call must come from the Lord who knows our limitations.
Read Psalm 29. Count how many times the phrase, the “voice of the Lord” is repeated. Spend at least that many minutes listening for His voice and trusting He will speak His will to you.
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