From: Love Worth Finding Ministries
2 Corinthians 1:4 "God comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves have received from Him."
Somebody has well said that discouragement is a dark room where the negatives of fear and failure are developed. There are some who are encouragers and others who are discouragers.
Have you ever met a discourager? They’re like a drink of water to a drowning man. They can brighten up a room by leaving it. They leave you drained and depressed.
But an encourager leaves you full and refreshed. God has cornered the market on encouragement. All encouragement comes from God.
You’re never more like God than when you’re encouraging people and never more like the devil than when you are discouraging people.
Find a needy person and enrich him; a lonely person and include him; a misunderstood person and affirm him; an undiscovered person and develop him; a failing person and restore him.
Thursday, January 29, 2009
Wednesday, January 28, 2009
The Power Of Intercessory Prayer
From: The Upper Room Devotional
Colossians 1:9 "Since the day we heard about you, we have not stopped praying for you."
I was late for a church service project that I was in charge of. Even worse, I had just learned that we might lose thousands of dollars on the sale of our house. These and other "crises" had sent me over the edge, and my mind jumped from one possible disastrous outcome to another. "How can so much go wrong in such a short time?" I raged aloud as I pounded the steering wheel with my fist.
Suddenly, peace descended upon me, and my frantic thoughts instantly faded. I felt as if someone had draped a warm blanket over my shoulders. Immediately I called my wife and said, "You've been praying for me, haven't you?" "Yes," she replied. "Debbie and I were praying together for you on the phone. I just hung up."
This dramatic experience reminded me of the power of intercessory prayer and our Christian duty to pray for others. When I think of the many people I encounter each day, I pray not only that they be relieved of their trials but that they receive help and comfort and draw nearer to God through their trials.
My wife's prayer for me did not make the troubles go away, but the peace of God that came over me helped me get through them and drew me nearer to my Lord.
Father, remind us to pray constantly for those who are in the midst of worries and trials. Amen.
Colossians 1:9 "Since the day we heard about you, we have not stopped praying for you."
I was late for a church service project that I was in charge of. Even worse, I had just learned that we might lose thousands of dollars on the sale of our house. These and other "crises" had sent me over the edge, and my mind jumped from one possible disastrous outcome to another. "How can so much go wrong in such a short time?" I raged aloud as I pounded the steering wheel with my fist.
Suddenly, peace descended upon me, and my frantic thoughts instantly faded. I felt as if someone had draped a warm blanket over my shoulders. Immediately I called my wife and said, "You've been praying for me, haven't you?" "Yes," she replied. "Debbie and I were praying together for you on the phone. I just hung up."
This dramatic experience reminded me of the power of intercessory prayer and our Christian duty to pray for others. When I think of the many people I encounter each day, I pray not only that they be relieved of their trials but that they receive help and comfort and draw nearer to God through their trials.
My wife's prayer for me did not make the troubles go away, but the peace of God that came over me helped me get through them and drew me nearer to my Lord.
Father, remind us to pray constantly for those who are in the midst of worries and trials. Amen.
Tuesday, January 27, 2009
Behavior Toward Others
From: The Word For You Today - Bob Gass Ministries
Galatians 5:22-23 "When the Holy Spirit controls our lives He will produce… kindness, goodness… gentleness."
Dr. John Maxwell writes: "Sooner or later, a man, if he is wise, discovers that life is a mixture of good days and bad, victory and defeat, give and take. He learns that it doesn't pay to be a too-sensitive soul, that he should let some things go over his head.
He learns that he who loses his temper usually loses out, that all men occasionally have burnt toast for breakfast, and that he shouldn't take the other fellow's grouch too seriously. He learns that carrying a chip on his shoulder is the easiest way to get into trouble, that the quickest way to become unpopular is to carry tales of gossip about others, that buck-passing always turns out to be a boomerang, and that it doesn't matter who gets the credit so long as the job gets done.
He learns that most others are as ambitious as he is, that they have brains as good or better, that hard work, not cleverness, is the secret of success. He learns that no one ever gets to first base alone, that it's only through co-operative effort that we move on to better things. He realizes (in short) that the 'art of getting along', depends 98% on his own behavior toward others."
Galatians 5:22-23 "When the Holy Spirit controls our lives He will produce… kindness, goodness… gentleness."
Dr. John Maxwell writes: "Sooner or later, a man, if he is wise, discovers that life is a mixture of good days and bad, victory and defeat, give and take. He learns that it doesn't pay to be a too-sensitive soul, that he should let some things go over his head.
He learns that he who loses his temper usually loses out, that all men occasionally have burnt toast for breakfast, and that he shouldn't take the other fellow's grouch too seriously. He learns that carrying a chip on his shoulder is the easiest way to get into trouble, that the quickest way to become unpopular is to carry tales of gossip about others, that buck-passing always turns out to be a boomerang, and that it doesn't matter who gets the credit so long as the job gets done.
He learns that most others are as ambitious as he is, that they have brains as good or better, that hard work, not cleverness, is the secret of success. He learns that no one ever gets to first base alone, that it's only through co-operative effort that we move on to better things. He realizes (in short) that the 'art of getting along', depends 98% on his own behavior toward others."
Sunday, January 25, 2009
Don't Worry
From: Power Point Ministries
Philippians 4:6 "Dismiss all anxiety from your minds. Present your needs to God in every form of prayer and in petitions full of gratitude."
Do you need a little peace in your life?
The apostle Paul wrote some practical help for you in Philippians. Now keep in mind, he was in prison when he wrote it. So, Paul knew what he was talking about!
Don’t worry. Trust God. Worry wastes your time and accomplishes nothing. Instead of being gripped by fear, worry, and stress, be gripped by the grace of God. Rest and relax in Him. He has promised to deliver you from all your fears.
Pray about everything. Really converse with God on a daily basis. Pray with an attitude of devotion and trust. That’s when prayer accomplishes something. When you pray, you won’t be immune from the problems of life, but you will be in touch with the Redeemer.
Philippians 4:6 "Dismiss all anxiety from your minds. Present your needs to God in every form of prayer and in petitions full of gratitude."
Do you need a little peace in your life?
The apostle Paul wrote some practical help for you in Philippians. Now keep in mind, he was in prison when he wrote it. So, Paul knew what he was talking about!
Don’t worry. Trust God. Worry wastes your time and accomplishes nothing. Instead of being gripped by fear, worry, and stress, be gripped by the grace of God. Rest and relax in Him. He has promised to deliver you from all your fears.
Pray about everything. Really converse with God on a daily basis. Pray with an attitude of devotion and trust. That’s when prayer accomplishes something. When you pray, you won’t be immune from the problems of life, but you will be in touch with the Redeemer.
Friday, January 23, 2009
24/7
Christians in Agreement
Proverbs 23:26 "My son, give Me your heart, and let your eyes keep to My ways."
Big John was asked recently by some friends if he was a Christian. He was stunned to learn that they didn't know. Did he not reflect the Christian walk by his attitude, actions and words? He thought he did.
A Christian, by definition, is one who professes in, and by his/her actions and words, represents the teachings of Jesus Christ. Nobody is perfect and we all slip from time to time. "For all men have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God" (Romans 3:23). However, as they say, the "meat of the coconut" is what's in a person's heart. "I, the Lord, alone probe the mind and test the heart." (Jeremiah 17:10).
You can't be a part time Christian or a private Christian. It has to be "all in" 24/7. "Whoever acknowledges Me before men I will acknowledge before My Father in Heaven." (Matthew 10:32).
Do the people who know you have to ask if you are a Christian?
Thursday, January 22, 2009
He Will Direct Your Steps
From: Jack Graham Ministries
Psalm 25:4-5 "Your ways, O Lord, make known to me; teach me Your paths. Guide me in Your truth and teach me, for You are my God and Savior, and for You I wait all the day."
God has a perfect plan and will for your life. So how do you make sure you’re on the right path?
1. Make a daily appointment with God. Take time on a regular basis to seek and listen to Him. Give the very best part of your day to God and open His Word.
2. Expect peace and joy. When you trust and believe in God, you’ll find peace and joy.
3. Be willing to wait. If in doubt, you and I should wait on God. We may not be ready to move on. God may be preparing us for what’s ahead.
4. Keep moving forward. (And that’s not a contradiction to #3!) I’m talking about keep doing the will of God. So much of the will of God we already know. And God will not take us one step further until we obey what He has already commanded us to do.
5. Seek wise counsel. Find someone who knows and loves you… and who knows and loves God. Turn to a minister, pastor, family member, or friend.
6. Be bold. Take some risks. If you step out in faith and believe God, He will direct your steps.
Psalm 25:4-5 "Your ways, O Lord, make known to me; teach me Your paths. Guide me in Your truth and teach me, for You are my God and Savior, and for You I wait all the day."
God has a perfect plan and will for your life. So how do you make sure you’re on the right path?
1. Make a daily appointment with God. Take time on a regular basis to seek and listen to Him. Give the very best part of your day to God and open His Word.
2. Expect peace and joy. When you trust and believe in God, you’ll find peace and joy.
3. Be willing to wait. If in doubt, you and I should wait on God. We may not be ready to move on. God may be preparing us for what’s ahead.
4. Keep moving forward. (And that’s not a contradiction to #3!) I’m talking about keep doing the will of God. So much of the will of God we already know. And God will not take us one step further until we obey what He has already commanded us to do.
5. Seek wise counsel. Find someone who knows and loves you… and who knows and loves God. Turn to a minister, pastor, family member, or friend.
6. Be bold. Take some risks. If you step out in faith and believe God, He will direct your steps.
Wednesday, January 21, 2009
Trust Is A Daily Activity
From: Jack Graham Ministries
Proverbs 3:5-6 "Trust in the Lord with all your heart; do not rely on your own understanding. In all things be mindful of Him and He will direct your paths."
The Christian life is really a matter of the heart. That's what God is most interested in. What this means is that you and I are supposed to live "inside out."
Our verse today has a promise you can live by. The promise is that God has a will for your life, which is His best for you.
How do you say yes to God's best? Trust Him. When you trust God, you look to Him, count on Him, and have confidence in Him. When we accept Jesus Christ as our Savior, that's trust. But it's only the beginning.
Trust is an activity that we live every day of our lives. It's both a point and a process. It's knowing that God is for you and that He is working with your best interest at heart.
According to 2 Chronicles 16:9, "For the eyes of the LORD run to and fro throughout the whole earth, to give strong support to those whose heart is blameless toward Him."
When you trust God, you begin an exciting adventure. When you surrender and give Him control of your life, that's when you can start to see God's best for you.
Proverbs 3:5-6 "Trust in the Lord with all your heart; do not rely on your own understanding. In all things be mindful of Him and He will direct your paths."
The Christian life is really a matter of the heart. That's what God is most interested in. What this means is that you and I are supposed to live "inside out."
Our verse today has a promise you can live by. The promise is that God has a will for your life, which is His best for you.
How do you say yes to God's best? Trust Him. When you trust God, you look to Him, count on Him, and have confidence in Him. When we accept Jesus Christ as our Savior, that's trust. But it's only the beginning.
Trust is an activity that we live every day of our lives. It's both a point and a process. It's knowing that God is for you and that He is working with your best interest at heart.
According to 2 Chronicles 16:9, "For the eyes of the LORD run to and fro throughout the whole earth, to give strong support to those whose heart is blameless toward Him."
When you trust God, you begin an exciting adventure. When you surrender and give Him control of your life, that's when you can start to see God's best for you.
Tuesday, January 20, 2009
Wisdom
From: Wisdom From The Psalms Ministries
Psalm 9:9 "The Lord also will be a refuge for the oppressed, a refuge in times of trouble."
Ellen lived in a tiny shack on the edge of a small backwater town. She had no modern conveniences; no car, no electricity, no fancy clothing. She just lived a simple life, giving of herself to others, sharing what little she did have with anyone who needed it. Often people tried to help Ellen, but she just smiled and said she didn't want for anything.
When asked why she lived as she did, Ellen said, "God has made sure that I've had enough to get by on. I don't need any more than that. He and I have a nice deal. When He needs me, He lets me know and shows me what I can do, and when I need Him, all I have to do is call. I've faced hard times, but the Lord has always given me strength and given me a place to run to."
The Lord is our refuge and our strength. It takes a great deal of wisdom to realize that. Our lives are much more than possessions and positions. Our lives are gifts from God; given to us and to others for His glory. We need not ask what more God can do for us, but what we might do for God. He will surely let us know.
Psalm 9:9 "The Lord also will be a refuge for the oppressed, a refuge in times of trouble."
Ellen lived in a tiny shack on the edge of a small backwater town. She had no modern conveniences; no car, no electricity, no fancy clothing. She just lived a simple life, giving of herself to others, sharing what little she did have with anyone who needed it. Often people tried to help Ellen, but she just smiled and said she didn't want for anything.
When asked why she lived as she did, Ellen said, "God has made sure that I've had enough to get by on. I don't need any more than that. He and I have a nice deal. When He needs me, He lets me know and shows me what I can do, and when I need Him, all I have to do is call. I've faced hard times, but the Lord has always given me strength and given me a place to run to."
The Lord is our refuge and our strength. It takes a great deal of wisdom to realize that. Our lives are much more than possessions and positions. Our lives are gifts from God; given to us and to others for His glory. We need not ask what more God can do for us, but what we might do for God. He will surely let us know.
Monday, January 19, 2009
The Greatest Life
From: Greg Laurie Ministries
Matthew 16:24 "If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow Me."
If you want to be a true follower of Jesus, you need to take up your cross. That may sound miserable to some of us. You envision yourself carrying around some huge, wooden cross—living a miserable life, a life of selfless sacrifice.
Let me share something with you. Taking up the cross of Christ means that I come to the Lord and say, "God, I realize you know more about life than I do. You know my future and what is best for me. And Lord, I want what You want for me more than what I want for myself. I am willing to put Your will above my own. If that means letting go of something that would hold me back or hurt me spiritually, I'm willing. If that means cutting loose something that is dragging me down, I'm willing. Because I know that You love me and have my best interest in mind."
That is why the apostle Paul said, "I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me" (Galatians 2:20).
The greatest life is the life that has been exchanged—the life that has been given to God. And the greatest life is living in obedience to Jesus Christ.
Matthew 16:24 "If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow Me."
If you want to be a true follower of Jesus, you need to take up your cross. That may sound miserable to some of us. You envision yourself carrying around some huge, wooden cross—living a miserable life, a life of selfless sacrifice.
Let me share something with you. Taking up the cross of Christ means that I come to the Lord and say, "God, I realize you know more about life than I do. You know my future and what is best for me. And Lord, I want what You want for me more than what I want for myself. I am willing to put Your will above my own. If that means letting go of something that would hold me back or hurt me spiritually, I'm willing. If that means cutting loose something that is dragging me down, I'm willing. Because I know that You love me and have my best interest in mind."
That is why the apostle Paul said, "I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me" (Galatians 2:20).
The greatest life is the life that has been exchanged—the life that has been given to God. And the greatest life is living in obedience to Jesus Christ.
Sunday, January 18, 2009
Freedom
From: Phil Ware Ministries
John 8:31-32 "Jesus said, 'If you hold to My teaching, you are really My disciples. Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.'"
There are few things more coveted than freedom. People die for it. People pray for it. People strive for it. True freedom comes from knowing truth. Knowing truth only comes by living in obedience to Jesus.
Truth is not something you merely think about or believe. Truth is something you do, you live. Jesus' teaching always ends with the exclamation: Blessed are you who do these things! Only by doing will we ever know the truth that liberates us.
Prayer
Father, I seek not only Your presence in my daily life, but also Your pleasure in the choices I make. Please teach me more of Your truth as I pledge to live today in obedience to Your word and Your will. Through Jesus the living Word I pray. Amen.
John 8:31-32 "Jesus said, 'If you hold to My teaching, you are really My disciples. Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.'"
There are few things more coveted than freedom. People die for it. People pray for it. People strive for it. True freedom comes from knowing truth. Knowing truth only comes by living in obedience to Jesus.
Truth is not something you merely think about or believe. Truth is something you do, you live. Jesus' teaching always ends with the exclamation: Blessed are you who do these things! Only by doing will we ever know the truth that liberates us.
Prayer
Father, I seek not only Your presence in my daily life, but also Your pleasure in the choices I make. Please teach me more of Your truth as I pledge to live today in obedience to Your word and Your will. Through Jesus the living Word I pray. Amen.
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