Category: Encouragement

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One Man’s Trash

…is another man’s treasure

That phrase came up last night as we were watching television and it got me to thinking. Thinking about our little farmhouse home in Idaho. My kitchen was small and I wanted a way to decorate with some of my favorite things so Dave brought in two old barn doors and nailed them to the walls.

I got a couple of old single trees, mounted them to the doors and hung my cast iron skillets off the cast iron hooks on each end. But I didn’t stop there. I put at least a dozen more nails in each door and hung some of my favorite antique kitchen utensils from those nails – a shifter, colander, big mixing spoons, spatulas, enamelware cups and bowls. I loved it!

Two of my uncles were passing through town and stopped for dinner and an overnight rest. While we were sitting at the table, they looked around at my decor and one of them said to the other, “Kristi has stuff hanging on her walls that we used to hang in the barn”. That’s correct.

One man’s trash is another man’s treasure!

All of my treasures had been purchased at ranch and farm auctions for pennies on the dollar. What someone thought was old and useless, I thought was quaint and worth putting on display.

I really think that’s how God sees us. The world says we aren’t worth much but He’s sees us as a treasure.

I want to go back, one more time, to yesterday’s Scripture:

“Do not be afraid. For I have bought you and made you free. I have called you by name. You are Mine!” Isaiah 43:1 NLV

One version of this verse says “I have redeemed you”. The Lord saw value in us when others saw nothing of the kind. He rescued us, redeemed us and brought blessing to our lives.

“Christ bought us with His blood and made us free from the Law. In that way, the Law could not punish us. Christ did this by carrying the load and by being punished instead of us. It is written, “Anyone who hangs on a cross is hated and punished.” 14 Because of the price Christ Jesus paid, the good things that came to Abraham might come to the people who are not Jews. And by putting our trust in Christ, we receive the Holy Spirit He has promised.” Galatians 3:13-14 NLV

One man’s treasure!

We are God’s treasure. We are His children. He loves us.

“And they shall be Mine, says the Lord of hosts, in that day when I publicly recognize and openly declare them to be My jewels (My special possession, My peculiar treasure). And I will spare them, as a man spares his own son who serves him.” Malachi 3:17 AMPC

Don’t let anyone call you trash. God has called you His treasure!

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To Err Is Human…

…to forgive divine!

That is a saying I heard many times growing up and I’m not really sure where it came from. I just know those are the words that were forefront in my heart this morning.

Have you ever made comments or had thoughts like this; “I just don’t think God could ever love me, forgive me, use me, want me, etc, like He does someone else”? “If people knew who I was or the things I have in my past they wouldn’t love me or want to be my friend”.

Ever had those thoughts? I have and guess what, so did the Apostle Paul.

“But our Lord gave me a full measure of his grace. And with that grace came the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus. 15 Here is a true statement that should be accepted without question: Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, and I am the worst of them. 16 But I was given mercy so that in me Christ Jesus could show that he has patience without limit. Christ showed his patience with me, the worst of all sinners. He wanted me to be an example for those who would believe in him and have eternal life.” I Timothy 1:14-16 ERV

Paul felt that he was the worst sinner to have ever lived, he arrested and had Christians murdered. But God forgave him, changed his life and used him to reach the world with the Gospel.

Jesus was all about forgiving. He forgave Zacheaus, the woman in adultery, the thief on the cross, the soldiers and religious leaders that were crucifying Him. He forgave Paul. He has forgiven us too!

I shared these verses with you the other morning. They are some of my favorites on the presence and protection of the Lord. Take a hard look at the first part of verse one.

“…Do not be afraid. For I have bought you and made you free. I have called you by name. You are Mine! 2 When you pass through the waters, I will be with you. When you pass through the rivers, they will not flow over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned. The fire will not destroy you. 3 For I am the Lord your God, the Holy One of Israel, Who saves you… 4 You are of great worth in My eyes. You are honored and I love you… 5 Do not fear, for I am with you. I will bring your children from the east, and I will gather you from the west.” Isaiah 41:1-5 NLV

God isn’t holding our past against us! Our past is that – past!

In Hebrews, we are told that God won’t remember our sins and trespasses. He puts them as far as the East is from the West.

If you are being held captive by your past brreak free by accepting the Father’s forgiveness!

He has ransomed you. He has redeemed you, He is walking through life’s hardships with you and protecting you. You are precious to Him!

God isn’t mad at you. He hasn’t rejected or disqualified you. He loves you!

Thank you Father for your amazing love. Thank you that my past is past and thank you that I have been redeemed and that I am Yours!

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The Doors Are Locked

Have you ever had a period of time when you were afraid, really afraid? Then you know how the disciples felt just days and weeks after the resurrection of Christ.

Life for the followers of the Lord was still pensive. They huddled together behind locked doors, they probably traveled through the city streets accompanied by two or three others. They knew the Romans were still spreading rumors that THEY stole Jesus body to make it look like He rose from the dead.

If pursued by the soldiers they could be killed on the spot. The mob that had rioted and cried “Crucify Him, Crucify Him” was only now beginning to disperse in Jerusalem but who were they among so many? Living daily with all this apprehension, life was not normal and who knew when or if it ever would be again.

This was the life of the disciples and this was their mindset.

“The day was Sunday, and that same evening the followers were together. They had the doors locked because they were afraid of the Jewish leaders. Suddenly, Jesus was standing there among them. He said, “Peace be with you!” 20 As soon as he said this, he showed them his hands and his side. When the followers saw the Lord, they were very happy. 21 Then Jesus said again, “Peace be with you. It was the Father who sent me, and I am now sending you in the same way.” 22 Then he breathed on them and said, “Receive the Holy Spirit.” John 20:19-22 ERV

But not all the disciples were there. Thomas was missing. A week later Jesus appeared to them again. They were still behind locked doors and Jesus greeting was the same – peace!

“A week later the followers were in the house again, and Thomas was with them. The doors were locked, but Jesus came and stood among them. He said, “Peace be with you!” 27 Then he said to Thomas, “Put your finger here. Look at my hands. Put your hand here in my side. Stop doubting and believe.”28 Thomas said to Jesus, “My Lord and my God!”29 Jesus said to him, “You believe because you see me. Great blessings belong to the people who believe without seeing me!” John 20:26-29 ERV

The Bible doesn’t give us insight to what Jesus was doing between these visits with the disciples. For three years, they had been in daily contact with Jesus. They ate with Him, heard him teach and saw the miracles that He did. But where was He now? We don’t know.

What we do know is that every time he appeared to them after His resurrection He encouraged them, spoke words of peace and showered them with unconditional love. Jesus wasn’t stopped by the locked doors; He made himself known to them.

What is it that has you behind locked doors? What has your focus? Do you feel alone and abandoned? What has robbed your peace?

Thomas needed to see physical evidence before he was willing to believe that Jesus was still there, still in control, still in a place of power. Jesus’ words to Thomas are also Jesus’ words to us, “You believe because you see me. Great blessings belong to the people who believe without seeing me!” We’re the ones who are in the place of believing without physically seeing.

Two weeks after Easter 2021, the words of Jesus are still true. Be not afraid. Peace be with you! Jesus is always here even when the doors are locked.

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Building a Life

Our life has taken some interesting turns recently. I’m not able to share the details yet but I will later. It has been challenging to say the least. I have pulled into the Lord for His strength and direction. I have certainly learned alot about my relationship with the Father and found, once again, that He is always faithful!

Some of you are dealing with some pretty heavy stuff right now. Maybe to those looking in it might not appear to be that big of a deal or maybe it’s so big that people are telling you anyone would crumble if they were in your shoes. Friends and their words can be an encouragement and strength but they can also add to your burden and not realize it, so let’s look at what God’s word has to say about His faithfulness during difficult times.

The message is strong – “I will NEVER leave you”!

The writer of Hebrews tells us to put our faith, our hope, our perspective on the Lord and His faithfulness, not on money or circumstances. Nothing wrong with money but it cannot buy peace or be our source of strength.

Then he tells us to look at our rulers (spiritual leaders) and see how God has been faithful and moved in their lives. Their testimonies are an encouragement of the Father’s faithfulness and love. The writer of Hebrews ends with this thought. He tells us that Jesus set a precedent for moving in our lives because He IS the same – yesterday, today and forever!

“Keep your lives free from the love of money. And be satisfied with what you have. God has said,“I will never leave you; I will never run away from you.” 6 So we can feel sure and say, “The Lord is my helper; I will not be afraid. People can do nothing to me.” 7 Remember your leaders. They taught God’s message to you. Remember how they lived and died, and copy their faith. 8 Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever.” Hebrews 13:5-8 ERV

Every time I woke last night, and there were many, the words to this song came rushing into my heart. In fact, I laid there for over an hour just singing this anthem from the depths of my being. “Build My Life” by Songwriters: Matt Redman, Pat Barrett, Brett Younker, Karl Martin, Kirby Kaple, Karl Andrew Martin

And I will build my life upon your love, it is a firm foundation
And I will put my trust in you alone
And I will not be shaken
And I will build my life upon your love, it is a firm foundation
And I will put my trust in you alone
And I will not be shaken (Holy)

Holy, there is no one like you
There is none beside you
Open up my eyes in wonder
And show me who you are and fill me
With your heart and lead me
In your love to those around me (repeat)

The building blocks for my life are built on a firm foundation of God’s love for me. He will never abandon me – He will never leave me alone – I will not be deserted by my loving heavenly Father!

Don’t give up – Don’t quit! God is going through this with you and He will bring you out victorious!!!

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Tired & Unsettled

I didn’t sleep well last night. In fact, I barely slept at all. I laid in bed trying to get back to sleep and when that didn’t work I got up. Up about an hour earlier than I normally do and that’s early.

Sitting here in my chair, I’ve been praying about what I should share and no great revelation came. Instead, I found myself saying “Lord, I’m tired and don’t know what to write” and then I realized that was the very thing I needed to put on paper.

I have let my heart get weighed down with some circumstances that are going on right now. I thought I’ve been handling it but I guess I’ve only been pushing it aside. Out of sight, out of mind. This morning I realize that I haven’t really trusted God with it.

“Then Jesus said, “Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. 29 Take my yoke upon you. Let me teach you, because I am humble and gentle at heart, and you will find rest for your souls.” Matthew 11:28-29 NLT

I’ve been trying to figure everything out in my own mind. Asking the question “what do I need to do” and it’s made me weary and unable to rest. That’s not the Lord’s plan for me and it isn’t His plan for you either.

His plan is for us to come to Him with our burdens and weariness. When we do He promises to give us rest. Rest…that’s how I know that I hadn’t given this to Him, there has been no rest.

I’m really glad you all were here today. I needed to lay all of this out on the table and then draw strength for the Source of all Strength.

“God cares for you, so turn all your worries over to him.” I Peter 5:7 CEV

In Him, I have found rest for my soul!

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Silence Is Golden

It’s very hard to sit quietly, wrapped in silence, when there are things to be done. My morning quiet times used to be short lived because I couldn’t quiet my mind and I would feel the need to get up and get things done. But sometimes, God just wants us to sit quietly – rest in the peace of the moment and be still.

What do you do when God seems silent? I’ve been sitting here this morning listening to the silence. With Easter just a few days away I’ve tried to image what it was like for the disciples in the days that followed the crucifixion.

Jesus is dead!

Each one must be feeling alone; their doors are locked, fear that they will be arrested next and the possibility of their death is forefront. After all, they were Jesus’ closest friends. There is nothing to do but sit and be taken over by the silence.

The One they followed, the One they loved, the One they thought was going to deliver them from the evil Roman rule is dead!

He died so late in the day that they didn’t really have time to prepare his body properly for burial. Joseph of Arimathea wrapped his body in linen and buried him in a tomb hewn out of rock and covered it with a stone but there was more that should have been done. Now it’s the Sabbath and work is forbidden so they have to wait…wait…wait.

“Nicodemus also came with about seventy-five pounds of spices made from myrrh and aloes. This was the same Nicodemus who had visited Jesus one night. 40 The two men wrapped the body in a linen cloth, together with the spices, which was how the Jewish people buried their dead. 41 In the place where Jesus had been nailed to a cross, there was a garden with a tomb that had never been used. 42 The tomb was nearby, and since it was the time to prepare for the Sabbath, they were in a hurry to put Jesus’ body there.” John 19:39-42 CEV

Nothing is really written in the Bible about what the disciples were doing or how they were coping. Matthew is silent, Mark is silent, Luke and John write nothing of the devastation that the disciples must have been feeling. Is that because there are no words to express that kind of deep hurt and desperation?

Silence!

“Be still, and know that I am God: I will be exalted among the heathen, I will be exalted in the earth. 11 The LORD of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our refuge. Selah.” Psalm 46:10-11

I hope this verse came to their minds. I hope they remembered the words Jesus spoke just hours before when He said “Don’t let your heart be troubled, don’t let it be afraid”. I hope they found comfort in being alone with God’s words.

In those times when it feels as if my world has come crashing in and no one cares, no one sees what I am going through – when I’m silent, I find hope in knowing that He IS God and I’m not alone.

Silence can either be dark and deafening or golden and filled with light. If we let the Lord’s presence fill our silence with hope it will be golden.

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Peace Like A River

With Easter just a few days away I felt it was appropriate to remind us of some of Jesus’ final words to His disciples.

Jesus knew the crucifixion is just hours away.

Jesus knows the spiritual, physical and mental state of his disciples – He knows they are hoping He will overturn the government and set up an earthly kingdom. He knows that they are moved by fear, He knows that one of his disciples will betray him for money and the others will leave Him in His darkest hour.

He also knows our weaknesses and strengths. He knows our fears – the things we haven’t voiced to anyone. He knows our spiritual condition.

Maybe we’ve just been playing church and wonder if it’s really worth it to continue living this “Christian life”. Jesus knew that without His leadership and direction His disciples were likely to abandon their faith and scatter. He knows our hearts.

This is what Jesus is saying to all of us. If you want to get the full impact of these verses read them out loud. Hear Jesus saying these things to you personally…

“Jesus said to his disciples, ‘Don’t be worried! Have faith in God and have faith in me. 2 There are many rooms in my Father’s house. I wouldn’t tell you this, unless it was true. I am going there to prepare a place for each of you. 3 After I have done this, I will come back and take you with me. Then we will be together…’ 16 Then I will ask the Father to send you the Holy Spirit who will help you and always be with you. 17 The Spirit will show you what is true. The people of this world cannot accept the Spirit, because they don’t see or know him. But you know the Spirit, who is with you and will keep on living in you. 18 I won’t leave you like orphans. I will come back to you. 19 In a little while the people of this world won’t be able to see me, but you will see me. And because I live, you will live. 20 Then you will know that I am one with the Father. You will know that you are one with me, and I am one with you. 21 If you love me, you will do what I have said, and my Father will love you. I will also love you and show you what I am like…25 I have told you these things while I am still with you. 26 But the Holy Spirit will come and help you, because the Father will send the Spirit to take my place. The Spirit will teach you everything and will remind you of what I said while I was with you. 27 I give you peace, the kind of peace that only I can give. It isn’t like the peace that this world can give. So don’t be worried or afraid. 28 You have already heard me say that I am going and that I will also come back to you. If you really love me, you should be glad that I am going back to the Father, because he is greater than I am. 29 I am telling you this before I leave, so that when it does happen, you will have faith in me.” John 14 CEV

“I give you peace, the kind of peace that only I can give. It isn’t like the peace that this world can give. So don’t be worried or afraid.”

Have peace today – don’t be worried or afraid but trust in the One who loves us enough that He died for us!

He loves us enough that He lives for us and intercedes for us from His throne in heaven!

We can have His peace, peace like a river.

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Every Step Counts

I was thinking about the errands we ran yesterday. Only a few stores but there were a lot of back and forth steps. I went with my list but never took it out of my pocket. I forgot a few things and had to go back for them.

This morning an old Family Circus cartoon came to mind. For those who are younger, Family Circus was a cartoon that appeared in the Sunday newspapers. If Billy, the one of the characters, would have had a FitBit he would have logged 10,000 steps each day by noon.

Here, there and everywhere.

My prayer when I have a day of running errands is that every step counts. Not that I want to record steps on my fitness tracker but instead I want every step to count for His glory.

Was I kind to the sales associate? Were my words helpful? Did I offer a helping hand or an encouraging smile? Was I encouraging to Dave as we drove from place to place? I hope I wasn’t just centered on my list and my needs but that I also looked to provide for someone else’s.

Jesus was like that.

He often traveled along the roads with his disciples, teaching as they went but He always had time for an interruption. He was drawn aside, not off course, by someone in need. There were the blind beggars, the woman with an issue of blood, Zacchaeus, the children and the woman at the well.

He was reachable. Touchable. His whole purpose was to change lives for the better.

Today is Palm Sunday. The day we celebrate Jesus’ triumphant entry into Jerusalem. He rode in on the back of a colt as the people waved palm branches and shouted His praises. He connected with them.

“The next day the great crowd that had come for the festival heard that Jesus was coming to Jerusalem. 13 They took palm branches and went out to meet him. They shouted,

‘Hosanna! Blessings on the one who comes in the name of the Lord! Blessings on the king of Israel!’

14 Jesus found a young donkey and sat on it, just as it is written, 15 Don’t be afraid, Daughter Zion. Look! Your king is coming, sitting on a donkey’s colt.

16 His disciples didn’t understand these things at first. After he was glorified, they remembered that these things had been written about him and that they had done these things to him.” John 12:12-16 CEB

Jesus was never detoured. He was always about His Father’s business. Since He is no longer here physically, we have been tasked with sharing His love and compassion.

It’s important that we are more concerned with making our steps count than we are with counting our steps.

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Joy Is Simple

We were blessed to have had four little ones in our home this last week. Children remind us of the joy to be found in the simple things of life. As adults, we sometimes get too busy to enjoy the things that are around us.

I can still hear the laughter that came from the breakfast table, the giggles on the swing and the squeals of delight in finding a pretty rock in the yard. When was the last time you got excited over bubbles in the bath tub?

Happiness. Simple enjoyment.

The book of Proverbs tells us “Happiness is good medicine, but sorrow is a disease.” Proverbs 17:22 ERV

Think about the word “enjoy” for a moment. The simplest definition is to add joy or find joy. When we enjoy someone’s company we are at a place where we have found joy.

As an adult there are so many things that distract us from finding and experiencing joy. We often forget about the simple things that once brought a smile to our face or a giggle in our hearts.

“Yes, happy are the people whose God is the Lord!” Psalm 144:15 NLV

We find joy when we find the Father and experience His love. Wasn’t that the message the angels brought to the shepherds?

“Suddenly, an angel of the Lord appeared among them, and the radiance of the Lord’s glory surrounded them. They were terrified, 10 but the angel reassured them. “Don’t be afraid!” he said. “I bring you good news that will bring great joy to all people. 11 The Savior—yes, the Messiah, the Lord—has been born today in Bethlehem, the city of David!” Luke 2:9-11 NLT

Great joy!

Find joy in the simple things. Our Father has made the whole of creation for our enjoyment. The old expression “stop and smell the roses” rings true. When we see the beauty and intricacies of the nature we can’t help but recognize the power and greatness of our Father.

The Father’s plan is that we have and enjoy life. Jesus said:

“The thief comes only in order to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have and enjoy life, and have it in abundance (to the full, till it overflows).” John 10:10 AMPC

If anyone is feeling discouraged, disheartened or disillusioned come to the Father and pour out your heart. Ask Him to fill you with joy. He is a faithful Father and He will answer your heart’s cry.

“Until now you have asked nothing in My name. Ask, and you will receive, that your joy may be full.” John 16:24 NKJV

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Real Encouragement

I am overwhelmed when I stop to think of the friends I have been blessed with through the years. Their love and encouragement is priceless!

Encouragement.

In it’s simplest form encouragement is the act of infusing with courage. By definition it means “the action of giving someone support, confidence, or hope”. Encouragement is something friends give to one another.

Encouragement is a light in our darkness and a warm blanket of comfort. It provides us with strength to move forward and hope in future.

“But blessed are those who trust in the Lord and have made the Lord their hope and confidence. 8 They are like trees planted along a riverbank, with roots that reach deep into the water. Such trees are not bothered by the heat or worried by long months of drought.
Their leaves stay green, and they never stop producing fruit.” Jeremiah 17:7-8 NLT

The Bible tells us we are blessed when we turn to the Lord for encouragement. In Him, we find hope and confidence. In Him, we flourish like a well watered tree. In Him, we produce good fruit.

Christ gives us courage and infuses us with encouragement. That’s what the Bible is all about – written words of encouragement and our friends are used by God to remind us that we can always trust in Him and depend on them.

Today, we are ending our quick study through the book of Colossians. I hope you have found it encouraging. In the last eleven verses of this book Paul mentions eight people who have worked with him, encouraged him while he has been imprisoned and who are now offering encouragement to these Christians.

The book started out with Paul’s greeting to be filled with grace and peace and ends with him urging us to encourage others in their faith. Some skip over these closing words, thinking they are insignficant. However, every word in the Bible has significance.

These final thoughts express appreciation for those who have worked with Paul to deliver the message of new life in Christ. It calls by name those who have worked closely with him, it validates them. And it reminds us to express appreciation for those who have walked with us in our trying times.

“Tychicus is my dear brother in Christ. He is a faithful helper and he serves the Lord with me. He will tell you everything that is happening with me. 8 That is why I am sending him. I want you to know how we are, and I am sending him to encourage you. 9 I am sending him with Onesimus, the faithful and dear brother from your group. They will tell you everything that has happened here…Epaphras, another servant of Jesus Christ from your group, sends his greetings. He constantly struggles for you in prayer. He prays that you will grow to be spiritually mature and have everything that God wants for you.” Colossians 4:7-9, 12 ERV

Give encouragement!

Let’s follow Paul’s example. I urge you to make a mental, better yet, a physical list of those who have been an encouragement to you. Pray for them, send them a greeting and thank them for the role they have played in your life. I guarantee your greeting will be an encouragement to them.

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