Category: Encouragement

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Smoky Glass

One of the things I have done over the past couple of days is clean the mirrors and windows. There was a light coating of construction dust on everything.

It wasn’t a priority the first couple of days, but it really began to annoy me. I could even write my name in the dust on the mirrors surface. Time for a cleaning!

This morning, I was reminded of a collection of vintage oil lamps I used to have. I loved using them; the ambiance of the flickering flame was so soothing; they gave good light but the glass chimneys had to be cleaned on a regular basis or the light they put off was diminished.

Just like life, isn’t it?

We are called to let our light shine so those around us can see the Father and His promises but sometimes our chimneys get smoke covered and our true image is distorted by the dust.

“The Lord’s instruction is right; it makes our hearts glad. His commands shine brightly, and they give us light.” Psalm 19:8 CEV

We start out excited about God’s word. It makes a powerful impact in our lives and then we get busy, we forget God’s promises, worry puts a sooty film on things and we need to be cleaned.

” No one lights a lamp and then hides it or puts it under a clay pot. A lamp is put on a lampstand, so everyone who comes into the house can see the light. 34 Your eyes are the lamp for your body. When your eyes are good, you have all the light you need. But when your eyes are bad, everything is dark. 35 So be sure your light isn’t darkness. 36 If you have light, and nothing is dark, then light will be everywhere, as when a lamp shines brightly on you.” Luke 11:33-36 CEV

God’s word is the lamp that lights our path.

“Your word is a lamp that gives light wherever I walk.” Psalm 119:105 CEV

The light doesn’t change. God’s word doesn’t change; it’s our perspective that often times get clouded by our circumstances and opinions around us.

“The Scriptures say, ‘God commanded light to shine in the dark.’ Now God is shining in our hearts to let you know that his glory is seen in Jesus Christ. 7 We are like clay jars in which this treasure is stored. The real power comes from God and not from us.” II Corinthians 4:6-7 CEV

May I encourage you to do a “white glove” test on the chimney of your life. Is it cloudy, does it have a little dust? Maybe it’s gotten covered with soot and it’s time for a cleaning.

“You used to be like people living in the dark, but now you are people of the light because you belong to the Lord. So act like people of the light 9 and make your light shine. Be good and honest and truthful” Ephesians 5:8-9 CEV

“Christ did this so He could set the church apart for Himself. He made it clean by the washing of water with the Word.” Ephesians 5:26 NLV

Let God do some good old fashioned cleaning so that our lights shine brightly in this world.

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Love Without End!

This morning, I couldn’t lay in bed any longer. I had to get up and move around; I am sore and ache all over. It’s the result of 4 days of moving and there are still several more in front of me.

Have you ever noticed that when we hurt emotionally or physically, we have a tendency to whine? Ok, so maybe you never do but I’m guilty. I came out to the couch and began taking inventory of all the different joints and muscles that were hurting. Then I stopped to pray…

Whining is not a good form of prayer.

“Don’t worry about anything, but pray about everything. With thankful hearts offer up your prayers and requests to God. 7 Then, because you belong to Christ Jesus, God will bless you with peace that no one can completely understand. And this peace will control the way you think and feel.” Philippians 4:6-7 CEV

Don’t worry (complain), be thankful. Thank you, Lord, for our new home, thank you for a strong body, thank you for energizing me. Thank you, thank you, thank you!

Remember at the beginning of the year I told you that we can find God’s love on every page of the Bible? The Bible was written to express the Father’s love so it was no surprise when I opened to the next chapter I was to read in the Psalms and read this:

“Praise the Lord because he is good.
    His faithful love will last forever.
2 Praise the God of gods!
    His faithful love will last forever.
3 Praise the Lord of lords!
    His faithful love will last forever.
4 Praise him who alone does wonderful miracles!
    His faithful love will last forever.
5 Praise the one who used wisdom to make the skies!
    His faithful love will last forever.
6 He spread the land over the sea.
    His faithful love will last forever.
7 He made the great lights.
    His faithful love will last forever.
8 He made the sun to rule the day.
    His faithful love will last forever.
9 He made the moon and stars to rule the night.
    His faithful love will last forever.” Psalm 136:1-9 ERV

His faithful love will last forever! It goes on forever, it’s a love without end! Yes, Lord, I get the message. Your faithful love TO ME lasts forever!

When I began to focus on His love and power my achy muscles and joints faded. I was energized by His love, it changed the way I feel.

“I will tell of your greatness, my God and King.
    I will praise your name forever and ever.
2 I will praise you every day.
    I will praise your name forever and ever.
3 The Lord is great and deserves all our praise!
    No one can fully understand his greatness!…The Lord can be trusted in all that he says.
    He is loyal in all that he does.
14 The Lord lifts up people who have fallen.
    He helps those who are in trouble.” Psalm 145:1-3, 14 ERV

God’s love and our praise of Him are two things that should last forever. Maybe you don’t feel like praising the Lord this morning, maybe you don’t feel you deserve His love. None of us deserve it – that’s why it’s called unconditional love! God is love and His love never ends.

To quote a George Strait song, Love Without End, Amen:

“They said, “Let me tell you a secret about a father’s love
A secret that my daddy said was just between us
You see, daddies don’t just love their children
Every now and then It’s a love without end, amen
It’s a love without end, amen”

God’s love not only comforts us, it strengthens us. It’s a love without end, amen!

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Building A House

Counting the Cost of building a house is something all of us should consider. Not just a physical house of wood, brick and mortar but the house we call life.

“If it is not the Lord who builds a house, the builders are wasting their time. If it is not the Lord who watches over the city, the guards are wasting their time.” Psalm 127:1 ERV

The last few days Dave and I have been busier than usual. On Friday, Kim & Austin came out to help us build furniture, put things up, paint and move boxes in. Saturday, Kaci & Stephen came and there were still boxes to move in and unpacked. Much to be shuttled from the RV to the new place. It was busy; we were tired and sore but very grateful to have had this time with them.

Memories were recounted, tears were shed, and laughter seasoned the hard work.

“Children are a blessing and a gift from the Lord. 4 Having a lot of children to take care of you in your old age is like a warrior with a lot of arrows.” Psalm 127:3-4 CEV

Just like building a home, building a life is hard work and we need people to help us along the way. It all starts with a good foundation.

“If you wanted to build a building, you would first sit down and decide how much it would cost. You must see if you have enough money to finish the job. 29 If you don’t do that, you might begin the work, but you would not be able to finish. And if you could not finish it, everyone would laugh at you. 30 They would say, ‘This man began to build, but he was not able to finish.’…

33 “It is the same for each of you. You must leave everything you have to follow me. If not, you cannot be my follower.” Luke 14:28-30, 33 ERV

Jesus was talking to men who had physically left all to follow Him. We are called to follow Christ with our whole hearts. Making a commitment to Him, being obedient to His word and giving up our desires to take on His.

“The people who come to me, who listen to my teachings and obey them—I will show you what they are like: 48 They are like a man building a house. He digs deep and builds his house on rock. The floods come, and the water crashes against the house. But the flood cannot move the house, because it was built well.

49 “But the people who hear my words and do not obey are like a man who builds a house without preparing a foundation. When the floods come, the house falls down easily and is completely destroyed.” Luke 6:47-49 ERV

Building a house, whether physical or spiritual, is not without its rewards. One for this life and the other for life everlasting.

Yesterday it was just Dave and I. Still much to do – boxes to unpack, things to move in – we are building a home, creating memories and making a place where friends, family, and acquaintances can come to rest.

“We must not get tired of doing good. We will receive our harvest of eternal life at the right time. We must not give up.” Galatians 6:9 ERV

Let me encourage you. Don’t get weary, don’t give up, don’t quit! Building a house is worth the effort.

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Something to Sing About

I grew up in Yuma, Arizona. One of the things it is famous for is the territorial prison. I’ve been there many times and seeing those small cells and the iron ring in the wall that prisoners were chained to always makes an impact. It helps me visualize different stories in the Bible.

Paul and SIlas had been arrested for casting a devil out of a woman. They were beaten and thrown into the inner prison. They were chained in a dirty prison cell, and they were in the dark. They knew they were being treated unfairly. They had plenty of reason to complain and bemoan their situation.

What did they do? They sang!

And not quietly, they sang loud enough for the other prisoners to hear them. Seriously. Singing at midnight in a dirty jail cell – what was there to sing about?

“Can anything separate us from Christ’s love? Can trouble or problems or persecution separate us from his love? If we have no food or clothes or face danger or even death, will that separate us from his love? 36 As the Scriptures say, ‘For you we are in danger of death all the time. People think we are worth no more than sheep to be killed.’

37 But in all these troubles we have complete victory through God, who has shown his love for us. 38-39 Yes, I am sure that nothing can separate us from God’s love—not death, life, angels, or ruling spirits. I am sure that nothing now, nothing in the future, no powers, nothing above us or nothing below us—nothing in the whole created world—will ever be able to separate us from the love God has shown us in Christ Jesus our Lord.” Romans 8:35-39 ERV

Paul wrote these words. He and Silas were in that prison cell. He knew that he had complete victory through Christ and that nothing could separate him from God’s love. That’s what put a song in his heart.

As they were singing, God brought the victory in the form of an earthquake.

“About midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing songs to God. The other prisoners were listening to them. 26 Suddenly there was an earthquake so strong that it shook the foundation of the jail. All the doors of the jail opened, and the chains on all the prisoners fell off. 27 The jailer woke up and saw that the jail doors were open. He thought that the prisoners had already escaped, so he got his sword and was ready to kill himself. 28 But Paul shouted, ‘Don’t hurt yourself! We are all here!’

29 The jailer told someone to bring a light. Then he ran inside and, shaking with fear, fell down in front of Paul and Silas. 30 Then he brought them outside and said, “Men, what must I do to be saved?”

31 They said to him, ‘Believe in the Lord Jesus and you will be saved—you and all who live in your house.” Acts 16:25-31 ERV

Paul and Silas were free but they didn’t run to escape. They stayed to share the Good News of God’s love with their jailer!

Let me ask you, have you been badly mistreated and abused? Locked away and forgotten? Are you in a prison of your own making?

You’re not alone!

God is right there with you – nothing will separate you from His love. Let that really sink into your heart – it will cause you to sing at midnight and in singing praises to the Lord, your heart will come to a place of peace and the prison doors will open.

Rest well! God is bigger than your prison and stronger than your chains.

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Abiding Love

I’ve been sitting here for the better part of three hours thinking about the abiding love of God. I am at a loss for words so I will let God’s word speak.

“ I pray that Christ will live in your hearts because of your faith. I pray that your life will be strong in love and be built on love. 18 And I pray that you and all God’s holy people will have the power to understand the greatness of Christ’s love—how wide, how long, how high, and how deep that love is. 19 Christ’s love is greater than anyone can ever know, but I pray that you will be able to know that love. Then you can be filled with everything God has for you.” Ephesians 3:17-19 ERV

I read once that God’s love is like the ocean, you can see where it begins but never where it ends. There is no end to the love of God!

“But then I think about this, and I have hope: 22 We are still alive because the Lord’s faithful love never ends. 23 Every morning he shows it in new ways! You are so very true and loyal!” Lamentations 3:21-23 ERV

“ I have loved you, just as my Father has loved me. So remain faithful to my love for you.” John 15:9 CEV

The word remain in other translations is abide. Abide means to live or stay in the place of God’s love. We abide in God’s love by staying in His word. It’s through the word of God that we learn the depth of His love.

See what happens when we live or stay in God.

“Live under the protection of God Most High and stay in the shadow of God All-Powerful.
2 Then you will say to the Lord, ‘You are my fortress, my place of safety; you are my God, and I trust you.'” Psalm 91:1-2 CEV

Occasionally we lose our way. Occasionally we wander off, but God always remains faithful in His love for us.

“I am your servant, but I have wandered away like a lost sheep. Please come after me, because I have not forgotten your teachings.” Psalm 119:176 CEV

Hundreds of years after King David wrote those words Jesus said this:

“ If any of you has 100 sheep, and one of them gets lost, what will you do? Won’t you leave the 99 in the field and go look for the lost sheep until you find it? 5 And when you find it, you will be so glad that you will put it on your shoulder 6 and carry it home. Then you will call in your friends and neighbors and say, “Let’s celebrate! I’ve found my lost sheep.” Luke 15:4-6 CEV

That my friends is the depth of God’s abiding love!

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Encouragement

I’ve been asked a number of times over the years if I ever get discouraged. The answer is two-fold; yes, but not as often as I used too.

Age, experience and mostly God’s sustaining love have a way of changing our perspective.

Discouragement tries to sneak in on the coat tails of fatigue and is often carried in, in the bucket of criticism. It helps to identify both of these culprits quickly and remove them from the scene.

King David is such a wonderful example to follow. He and his army had been off to battle and when they returned home their wives and children had been captured and their homes burned. David’s men were exhausted; discouragement and anger were about to rule the day.

“David was greatly distressed, for the men spoke of stoning him because the souls of them all were bitterly grieved, each man for his sons and daughters. But David encouraged and strengthened himself in the Lord his God.” I Samuel 30:6 AMPC

How do you encourage yourself? I’m so glad you asked.

“8 And David inquired of the Lord, saying, Shall I pursue this troop? Shall I overtake them? The Lord answered him, Pursue, for you shall surely overtake them and without fail recover all.” I Samuel 30:8 AMPC

In other words, David prayed, and God answered. When we are discouraged it’s always best to pray. Not a complaining, whiny kind of prayer but a sincere God-I-need-help kind of prayer. The whining kind focuses on us and our circumstances, the “I need help” focuses us on God and His power!

“Let us then fearlessly and confidently and boldly draw near to the throne of grace (the throne of God’s unmerited favor to us sinners), that we may receive mercy [for our failures] and find grace to help in good time for every need [appropriate help and well-timed help, coming just when we need it].” Hebrews 4:16 AMPC

When literal storms (hurricanes, tornados, blizzards) are coming or the storms of physical illness, financial disaster, or relationships attempt to bring destruction, we can and should immediately go confidently and boldly into the Father’s throne room and find help.

There’s no one in the Bible who faced as much criticism and personal persecution, besides Jesus, than Paul. He was beaten, left for dead, imprisoned, shipwrecked, dragged into court in nearly every town he visited.

This is how he battled discouragement.

“And when they had struck them with many blows, they threw them into prison, charging the jailer to keep them safely. 24 He, having received [so strict a] charge, put them into the inner prison (the dungeon) and fastened their feet in the stocks. 25 But about midnight, as Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns of praise to God, and the [other] prisoners were listening to them, 26 Suddenly there was a great earthquake, so that the very foundations of the prison were shaken; and at once all the doors were opened and everyone’s shackles were unfastened.” Acts 16:23-26 AMPC

Now that’s encouragement!

God is willing to do this for each of us. He is the Father who is faithful and good. He is our defender and our provider and ready to help!

I sincerely hope that this is message of encouragement to all of you this day.

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The Miracle of Love

This morning, I was praying for creativity. You see Dave and I just bought a tiny home, a park model, and we have 399 sq ft to make entirely our own. Yesterday it arrived; the first time we had seen it other than in pictures.

We spent a couple of hours measuring room sizes, the closet, height of the bar, cabinets, etc. Everything will need to fit into this space. Hence my prayer for creativity.

Who better to ask for creative ideas than the Creator of all things?

“I often think of the heavens your hands have made, and of the moon and stars you put in place. 4 Then I ask, ‘Why do you care about us humans? Why are you concerned for us weaklings?’ 5 You made us a little lower than you yourself, and you have crowned us with glory and honor.” Psalm 8:3-5 CEV

This prayer brought a song to mind. Over the years I have memorized hundreds of lyrics and I love when my heart begins to flood with song and the Lord uses those words to reinforce His word to my heart.

It Took A Miracle
My Father is omnipotent
And that you cant deny;
A God of might and miracles;
‘Tis written in the sky.
Refrain
It took a miracle to put the stars in place;
It took a miracle to hang the world in space.
But when He saved my soul,
Cleansed and made me whole,
It took a miracle of love and grace!
3
The Bible tells us of His power
And wisdom all way through;
And every little bird and flower
Are testimonies, too

My Father is omnipotent – all powerful and He’s omniscient – all knowing. Every little bird and flower are testimonies of His greatness. The intricate details of creation are a testimony to God’s power and design. He is a God of order and not of chaos.

“He renews our hopes and heals our bodies. 4 He decided how many stars there would be in the sky and gave each one a name. 5 Our Lord is great and powerful! He understands everything.” Psalm 147:3-5 CEV

What I’ve learned about the Father down through the years is that He is concerned with what concerns us. He doesn’t want us confused, worried or frustrated. He wants our lives to be filled with peace and wisdom.

“If any of you need wisdom, you should ask God, and it will be given to you. God is generous and won’t correct you for asking.” James 1:5 CEV

“Each one of you is part of the body of Christ, and you were chosen to live together in peace. So let the peace that comes from Christ control your thoughts. And be grateful.” Colossians 3:15 CEV

He truly desires for us to have wisdom in all our decisions.

“On this earth four things are small but very wise: 25 Ants, who seem to be feeble,
but store up food all summer long;…” Proverbs 30:24-25 CEV

He gives the ants wisdom and instinct to preserve their lives, so you know He cares for us and our circumstances.

Whether it’s how to best use a small space, a grocery list, a career path, raising children, financial advice, or which medical provider and procedure is best God has the answer.

When we ask for wisdom, He gives it freely. It’s a miraculous provision of His love and grace!

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Left Without

For most of the day yesterday I kept thinking about the void people experience who don’t know God. It hurts my heart!

So much bad news, so much turmoil and when we are left without our personal relationship with the Lord we are also left without peace, joy, and most of all hope. Hope!

“You were living without Christ then. The Jewish people who belonged to God had nothing to do with you. The promises He gave to them were not for you. You had nothing in this world to hope for. You were without God.

13 But now you belong to Christ Jesus. At one time you were far away from God. Now you have been brought close to Him. Christ did this for you when He gave His blood on the cross.” Ephesians 2:12-13 NLV

There’s a phrase I always look for in the Bible when I’m reading about people facing hardships and overwhelming odds. That is “but God”. That’s what the Apostle Paul wrote in the verses above.

We were living without Christ, we had nothing to hope for BUT Christ brought us close to God and now we have relationship with Him.

“We can come to God without fear because we have put our trust in Christ.” Ephesians 3:12 NLV

Because of our relationship with God through Christ we are now without fear and blame – we have hope, we have peace, we have help.

“ May the God of peace set you apart for Himself. May every part of you be set apart for God. May your spirit and your soul and your body be kept complete. May you be without blame when our Lord Jesus Christ comes again. 24 The One Who called you is faithful and will do what He promised.” I Thessalonians 5:23-24 NLV

I couldn’t leave you today without a song. It’s a song I remember singing when I was a teenager. It has brought me encouragement so, so, so many times throughout my life. It’s been sung by a number of artists but most recently I’ve enjoyed listening to Josh Turner sing, Without Him.

Without him, I would be dying
Without him, I’d be enslaved
Without him, life would be hopeless
But with Jesus, thank God I’m saved

“ Let us go with complete trust to the throne of God. We will receive His loving-kindness and have His loving-favor to help us whenever we need it.” Hebrews 4:16

Without Him I’d surely fail BUT thank GOD I am never left without God and His love!

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Surrounded

I always start my morning Bible reading in the Old Testament. This morning, I find myself in the book of Psalms. It’s such an encouraging way to start the day. The writers of the Psalms expressed their fears and their hopes, their sorrow and their joy and always they tell of their dependence on the Lord who is their strength, their joy, their refuge and their defense.

I find such encouragement in the Psalms – this morning I will refrain from my words and bring you God’s word for whatever you may be facing.

“I love you, Lord! You answered my prayers. 2 You paid attention to me, and so I will pray to you as long as I live. 3 Death attacked from all sides, and I was captured by its painful chains. But when I was really hurting, 4 I prayed and said, “Lord, please don’t let me die!”

5 You are kind, Lord, so good and merciful. 6 You protect ordinary people, and when I was helpless, you saved me 7 and treated me so kindly that I don’t need to worry anymore. 8 You, Lord, have saved my life from death, my eyes from tears, my feet from stumbling.
9 Now I will walk at your side in this land of the living. 10 I was faithful to you when I was suffering, 11 though in my confusion I said, ‘I can’t trust anyone!’

12 What must I give you, Lord, for being so good to me? 13 I will pour out an offering of wine to you, and I will pray in your name because you have saved me. 14 I will keep my promise to you when your people meet. 15 You are deeply concerned when one of your loyal people
faces death.

16 I worship you, Lord, just as my mother did, and you have rescued me from the chains of death. 17 I will offer you a sacrifice to show how grateful I am, and I will pray. 18 I will keep my promise to you when your people 19 gather at your temple in Jerusalem. Shout praises to the Lord!” Psalm 116 CEV

Whether it’s physical, emotional, spiritual or financial death the attacks launched against us are real. The enemy can be seen or unseen; the threat of the termination of life, end of relationships, well-being or financial devastation are all things the Lord wants us to bring to Him.

“I look to the hills! Where will I find help? 2 It will come from the Lord, who created heaven and earth. 3 The Lord is your protector, and he won’t go to sleep or let you stumble.” Psalm 121:1-3 CEV

Look to the hills – that reminds me of the story of Elisha and his servant when they were surrounded by their enemies.

“‘Don’t be afraid,’ Elisha answered. ‘There are more troops on our side than on theirs.’ 17 Then he prayed, ‘Lord, please help him to see.‘ And the Lord let the servant see that the hill was covered with fiery horses and flaming chariots all around Elisha.” II Kings 6:16-17 CEV

The Lord wants us to “see” that even though the enemy may seem to surround us there are more troops on our side than on theirs. The Lord is our defense, and He surrounds us with His love!

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Good, Good, So Good

Sunday we sang the song “King of My Heart” by John Mark McMillan and Sarah McMillan. The past two mornings I haven’t been able to get those lyrics out of my mind.

“Let the King of my heart
Be the mountain where I run
The fountain I drink from
Oh, he is my song

Let the King of my heart
Be the shadow where I hide
The ransom for my life
Oh, he is my song

‘Cause you are good, good, oh
You are good, good, oh
You are good, good, oh
You are good, good, oh”

God is good, good, so good!

“I trust your love, and I feel like celebrating because you rescued me. 6 You have been good to me, Lord, and I will sing about you.” Psalm 13:5-6 CEV

“Shout praises to the Lord! He is good to us, and his love never fails.” Psalm 107:1 CEV

“You surely don’t think much of God‘s wonderful goodness or of his patience and willingness to put up with you. Don’t you know that the reason God is good to you is because he wants you to turn to him?” Romans 2:4 CEV

God’s goodness is incomparable!

He displays His goodness so that people will be drawn to Him and put their faith and trust in Him.

I’ve been reading the book of Jonah. It’s a short book and a good read. It isn’t just about Jonah being swollen by a great fish, although, that is also evidence of God’s goodness. It’s about God offering salvation to 120,000 people who were about to be destroyed because of their wickedness.

Jonah got to Ninevah, after being vomited up by the fish, walk a day’s walk to the center of the city and said this:

“After walking for a day, Jonah warned the people, ‘Forty days from now, Nineveh will be destroyed!’

5 They believed God’s message and set a time when they would go without eating to show their sorrow. Then everyone in the city, no matter who they were, dressed in sackcloth.” Jonah 3:4-5 CEV

It goes on to say that the king heard what was happening and he repented and called for a fast for the entire city. Then God “saw that the people had stopped doing evil things, he had pity and did not destroy them as he had planned.” (Jonah 3:10)

Jonah got angry because God was gracious to these people. God was and is merciful, kind, and good. He told Jonah how much He cared about the people.

Not just the people of Ninevah – God cares about us, even when we are living in rebellion and contrary to His word. It’s His goodness that draws us to Him. His love is everlasting and His goodness lasts to all generations.

The image I am using this morning reminds me of this verse:

“ O taste and see that the Lord is good. How happy is the man who trusts in Him! 9 O fear the Lord, all you who belong to Him. For those who fear Him never want for anything.” Psalm 34:8-9 NLV

Come – taste and see that God is good, good, so good!

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