Category: Encouragement

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Congratulations Class of 2020!

I want to take this morning to say congratulations to all who are graduating this year. You did it!

Each one of you are unique and have talents and abilities that no one else does. Your perspective, sense of humor, compassion, strength and skills have made you one-of-a-kind. As parents, grandparents, educators, family and friends we want to encourage you as you continue on this road of life.

God made you complete; an individual who will add to this world and not take away from it. The person you are now and in the process of becoming is as distinctive as your fingerprints. Without you we would all be missing out.

Parents, from the time our graduates were born we guided them in their development. It was our job to nurture them and help them see their God-given talents. As this door on their education closes and they step out into a waiting world we know there is nothing common about them. They have a calling, a plan and a purpose that is exclusively theirs.

“‘I say this because I know the plans that I have for you.’ This message is from the Lord. ‘I have good plans for you. I don’t plan to hurt you. I plan to give you hope and a good future. 12 Then you will call my name. You will come to me and pray to me, and I will listen to you.'” Jeremiah 29:11-12 ERV

Trust God to direct your path; as you pursue His plan your lives will be filled with peace, protection and wisdom. He has designed this day from the beginning of time and He desires nothing but good for you.

Any plan that God designs is excellent. Trust Him with your future. You are valuable to your heavenly Father; it makes no difference your profession. We need you – trades persons, educators, first responders, professionals, ministers, musicians, bankers, clerks, artists, designers, homemakers – we need you all.

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding. 6 Seek his will in all you do, and he will show you which path to take. 7 Don’t be impressed with your own wisdom. Instead, fear the Lord and turn away from evil. 8 Then you will have healing for your body and strength for your bones.” Proverbs 3:5-8 NLT

We are celebrating you, the graduates, today. College, High School, Trade School, Junior High and yes, even kindergarten. God’s love and provision is never limited – not by age, class, race, gender or education. He has made a promise to each and everyone of us – He will never leave us or abandon us – never!

Go with God! Follow His path.

Congratulations!

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Safe in the Storm

What keeps us grounded when life’s storms have our boat rocking? Storms will come. The last two and one half months have proven that. And it doesn’t appear this current storm is over yet.

Storms of life: health, finances, accidents, death, divorce, family issues or physical storms (tornadoes, blizzards, hurricanes, earthquakes). Where do we find peace and safety?

Peter was in a physical storm and he learned that he would sink or walk based on one thing – the Word of God. Jesus said “Come” and on that one word directive from the mouth of the Son of God, he walked.

And then he took his eyes off Jesus and the Bible tells us he started to sink. Jesus grabbed him and together, they walked back to the boat.

During all this COVID-19 crisis some have been content to stay in the boat just like most of the disciples. Some have seen Jesus, coming towards them, walking on the water and asked to join Him and have heard Him say “Come”. Quickly they jump out of the boat and head for Jesus. Then there’s a news report about failing businesses or a neighbor/loved one is diagnosed with the virus and they start to sink.

Jesus reaches down and lifts them up and together they walk back to the boat. Safety in life isn’t in the boat. The disciples that were in it were scared, almost frozen with fear. Their place of safety was with Jesus. He was the One the winds and the waves obeyed. He was the One who brought peace.

“When they saw him, they thought he was a ghost. They were terrified and started screaming. 27 At once, Jesus said to them, “Don’t worry! I am Jesus. Don’t be afraid.” 28 Peter replied, “Lord, if it is really you, tell me to come to you on the water.” 29 “Come on!” Jesus said. Peter then got out of the boat and started walking on the water toward him.

30 But when Peter saw how strong the wind was, he was afraid and started sinking. “Save me, Lord!” he shouted. 31 Right away, Jesus reached out his hand. He helped Peter up and said, “You surely don’t have much faith. Why do you doubt?”32 When Jesus and Peter got into the boat, the wind died down. 33 The men in the boat worshiped Jesus and said, “You really are the Son of God!” Matthew 14:26-33 CEV

Jesus spoke just a couple of words but when it’s a Word from God, it’s enough. “Come”. “Light be”. “Lazarus come forth”. The power of God is expressed in His word and His word will not fail.

In the midst of the storm we will be at peace, safe, when we are trusting in God’s word. If we are going to be grounded, we have to be standing on the word of God. It is the only sure and firm foundation.

“Grass dies and flowers fall, but the word of our God lasts forever.” Isaiah 40:8

” Heaven and earth shall pass away, but my words shall not pass away.” Matthew 24:35

“Whoever hears these teachings of mine and obeys them is like a wise man who built his house on rock. 25 It rained hard, the floods came, and the winds blew and beat against that house. But it did not fall because it was built on rock.” Matthew 7:24-25

There’s an old hymn that came to mind, it was written in 1876 by Russell Carter. The second stanza is particularly relevant.

2. Standing on the promises that cannot fail,
when the howling storms of doubt and fear assail,
by the living Word of God I shall prevail,
standing on the promises of God.
Refrain:
Standing, standing,
standing on the promises of Christ my Savior;
standing, standing,
I’m standing on the promises of God.

Stand on His Word – it will never fail!

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Weak Knees? Stand Strong!

I imagine that some are beginning to feel weaken by all that’s been happening in their communities, their states and with their families. I, for one, am tired of not being able to hug my family and friends, but others are facing more serious situations – no work, kids home from school and lack of income.

“Energize the limp hands, strengthen the rubbery knees. Tell fearful souls,  “Courage! Take heart! God is here, right here,  on his way to put things right And redress all wrongs. He’s on his way! He’ll save you!” Isaiah 35:3-4 MSG

Let me tell you about a man, a good hearted man, who faced continual adversity. He had been assigned a place of leadership, however, the current leader was still actively fulfilling the role. The current leader became jealous and did everything he could to destroy his successor. Constantly he thought of ways to pursue and destroy this man. He even enlisted the help of well-meaning by-standers.

The current leader’s pursuit was so relentless that this man with the good heart became exhausted by his efforts to avoid conflict. He let God be his defense and his strength! He didn’t retaliate or bad mouth his pursuer. He did all he could to remain humble and pure of heart.

I have been reading how David was anointed king while Saul was still ruling. Saul sought to kill David and pursued him relentlessly. There was not a day that David wasn’t under attack. It was a constant battle and David was weary.

“Lord, I trust in you. You are my God.” Psalm 31:14 ERV

No need for long and lengthy prayers just a reminder to himself that the Lord, his God, was faithful and trustworthy.

“O Lord, You have heard the prayers of those who have no pride. You will give strength to their heart, and You will listen to them.” Psalm 10:17 NLV

When we are weary, if our knees are shaking and we feel that we can’t stand it much longer, let’s follow David’s example.

“Praise the Lord! He has heard my prayer for mercy. 7 The Lord is my strength and shield. I trusted him with all my heart. He helped me, so I am happy. I sing songs of praise to him. 8 The Lord protects his chosen one. He saves him and gives him strength.” Psalm 26:6-8 ERV

If you are going through a particularly tough time right now and feel like you are being harassed and attacked I encourage you to read I Samuel 18-31. Read how the Lord worked to protect David through all of Saul’s plots. These words in the Psalms will have greater meaning when you realize the situations that surrounded them.

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

Stand strong. The Lord is our strength!

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Love In Action

This morning I was reminded of a lady who attended church with us many years ago. She was so sweet and her desire to help people had no limits. Her name was Ruby. Ruby had the best hugs, a contagious laugh and compassion shone from her eyes.

Friday was a busy day for Ruby. She spent the entire day making soups, all kinds of soups, that she would use to feed the homeless in a park in South Phoenix. She had a number of people who would help her but she was the spearhead. She was there come rain or shine.

She was love in action!

She wanted to touch those others had forgotten with the love of Jesus. She said it was hard for them to hear words of love when their stomachs were empty so she did what she could to show them love and not just tell them about it.

I’ve never forgotten her and her sweet husband, Jim. They were some of the most loving people I have ever met. True examples of Jesus.

“Whoever wants to be first among you must be your slave. That is what the Son of Man has done: He came to serve, not be served—and then to give away his life in exchange for the many who are held hostage.” Matthew 20:28 MSG

The Apostle Paul tells us that our love will bring action to our faith.

“For when we place our faith in Christ Jesus, there is no benefit in being circumcised or being uncircumcised. What is important is faith expressing itself in love.” Galatians 5:6 NLT

During this time of stressful circumstances we can either be self-centered or conscious of others and their needs. It’s in times like this that our relationship with the Lord can really shine.

Since we are to be His examples we need to be asking ourselves “what would Jesus do”. He was always an example of love in action. He healed the sick, comforted those who were sorrowful and loved the outcast.

A kind word to an overworked grocery store clerk, an extra tip to the one who is delivering our take-out dinner, checking on neighbors to make sure they have all they need or a phone call to say I’m thinking of you and praying for you. All examples of love in action!

Let’s not let this situation make us bitter and selfish but let’s be better at loving.

“My friends, what good is it to say you have faith, when you don’t do anything to show that you really do have faith? Can that kind of faith save you? 15 If you know someone who doesn’t have any clothes or food, 16 you shouldn’t just say, “I hope all goes well for you. I hope you will be warm and have plenty to eat.” What good is it to say this, unless you do something to help? 17 Faith that doesn’t lead us to do good deeds is all alone and dead!…26 Anyone who doesn’t breathe is dead, and faith that doesn’t do anything is just as dead!” James 2:17-26 CEV

What action does our faith need to take today? If we listen to the Holy Spirit he will show us who to encourage. Be willing to put some hands and feet on our faith today.

Let’s put love in action!

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Joy & Laughter

“A cheerful heart is good medicine,  but a broken spirit saps a person’s strength.” Proverbs 17:22 NLT

Some people in our nation have spent the last six to eight weeks shut up, living in fear. Now, some of those same people are frustrated, angry and striking out. Heart and determination have given way to disillusionment and mistrust.

It’s time for us to focus on what’s good, pure, honest, and lovely. Our family and our friends need our strength and our joy.

“Nehemiah said, “Go and enjoy the good food and sweet drinks. Give some food and drinks to those who didn’t prepare any food. Today is a special day to our Lord. Don’t be sad, because the joy of the Lord will make you strong.” Nehemiah 8:10 ERV

A true and honest joy gives strength to our bodies and our emotions. Find something to laugh about, do silly things. If you have children old enough to participate, tell everyone that tonight’s dinner conversation has to be only words that begin with the letter “r”, or whatever letter you choose. Before long everyone will be laughing.

Find an old comedy on Netflix, Prime or whatever streaming source you have. The sillier the better – Carol Burnett, Jonathan Winters, Dean Martin and Jerry Lewis. If you’re not old enough to know who these people are do a search on them.

Marvel in the small things. We spent a good deal of time this weekend watching two little wrens fly back and forth feeding their young, who are in a nest on our back patio. They were tireless in their efforts to provide for their babies. Look for shapes in the clouds. Go for a walk and count all the different kinds of flowers you find. Have a water fight!

Do something to bring joy and amazement into your life.

“61 The Spirit of the Lord God  has taken control of me! The Lord has chosen and sent me to tell the oppressed the good news, to heal the brokenhearted, and to announce freedom for prisoners and captives. 2 This is the year when the Lord God will show kindness to us and punish our enemies. The Lord has sent me to comfort those who mourn,3 especially in Jerusalem. He sent me to give them flowers in place of their sorrow, olive oil in place of tears, and joyous praise in place of broken hearts. They will be called  “Trees of Justice,” planted by the Lord to honor his name. 4 Then they will rebuild cities that have been in ruins for many generations.” Isaiah 61:1-4 ERV

There’s a header on these verses which reads “The Good News of Victory”. These words were spoken about the coming of Jesus nearly four hundred years before He was born. Now that Jesus has come He has brought us freedom, peace, kindness, comfort, joy and restoration for what was ruined.

Sounds like a good word for what we’ve been experiencing.

Let the peace of God and joy in the Lord be our guiding force and then let’s share it generously with all we meet!

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Tough Times

Determination — Perserverance — Strength
All three are needed to get through the tough times and come out victorious.

Noah preached the whole time he was building the ark and didn’t have one convert but he kept building and he kept preaching.

Abraham was promised a natural born son and he had to wait 25 years to see the promise fulfilled.

Joseph was sold as a slave, spent time in prison, was forgotten before he made it to pharoah’s palace.

Moses led a nation of grumbling and complaining people for 40 years in the desert and they never made it to the Promised Land. That should have been about a 3-4 week trip.

Jesus preached, died, rose again providing that He was the Messiah and still many did not believe.

Paul was beaten, shipwrecked, nearly drown and held in prison and still he kept preaching.

God, the Father, isn’t willing that any should perish and has offered salvation to all. He hasn’t given up!

Each of the men above had been given a promise by God which gave them courage and determination to continue. They encouraged themselves with God’s word and used it to fight discouragement. They found that God was more than enough!

“There was no hope that Abraham would have children, but Abraham believed God and continued to hope. And that is why he became the father of many nations. As God told him, “You will have many descendants.” 19 Abraham was almost a hundred years old, so he was past the age for having children. Also, Sarah could not have children. Abraham was well aware of this, but his faith in God never became weak. 20 He never doubted that God would do what he promised. He never stopped believing. In fact, he grew stronger in his faith and just praised God.” Romans 4:18-20 ERV (emphasis is mine)

” But the Lord said, ‘My grace is all you need. Only when you are weak can everything be done completely by my power.” So I will gladly boast about my weaknesses. Then Christ’s power can stay in me. 10 Yes, I am glad to have weaknesses if they are for Christ. I am glad to be insulted and have hard times. I am glad when I am persecuted and have problems, because it is when I am weak that I am really strong.” II Corinthians 12:9-10 ERV (emphasis is mine)

“Love the Lord, all you godly ones! For the Lord protects those who are loyal to him,  but he harshly punishes the arrogant. 24 So be strong and courageous, all you who put your hope in the Lord!” Psalm 31:23-24 NLT

I pray that we become like these men and we continue to hope. When we are weak we truly are strong because we go forward in a strength that only God can give. He is more than enough!

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Awful or Awe-filled

Just a week or so ago I was reading a post that went into great detail, listing all the things around the world that are awful. That word caught my attention, awful. But, in times like these we need to change our focus from the awful to the awe-filled.

Did you see last night’s sunset? Did you take time to watch a bird building a nest or the ant moving a crumb across the rocky ground? Did you watch your child sleeping peacefully or feel the tender touch of your loved one’s hand?

These things are awe-filled moments!

There is so much in life which inspires and encourages. We just have to look for it. God has positioned the wonders of the universe so that we have a sense of just how awesome He is.

“The heavens keep telling the wonders of God, and the skies declare what he has done.
2 Each day informs the following day; each night announces to the next. 3 They don’t speak a word, and there is never the sound of a voice. 4 Yet their message reaches all the earth,  and it travels around the world.” Psalm 19:1-4 CEV

“No one can stare at the sun after a breeze has blown the clouds from the sky. 22 Yet the glorious splendor of God All-Powerful is brighter by far. 23 God cannot be seen— but his power is great, and he is always fair.” Job 37:21-23 CEV

Our loving, heavenly Father wants us to be constantly aware that He is here and always ready to comfort and to guide. He doesn’t leave us to flounder on our own. He replaces what is awful with what is the awe-filled revelation of His presence.

“God, you give true peace to people who depend on you, to those who trust in you. So trust the Lord always, because in the Lord Yah* you have a place of safety forever.” Isaiah 26:3 ERV *Yah means mighty rock

Some years back I was sitting in a small community church. The song leader said that he would take requests from those in attendance. A sweet, unpretentious man raised his hand to make a request. Donald had been living on the streets; alcohol and drugs had stolen his family, his job and self-esteem. But one day someone introduced him to Jesus and his life changed. He was so aware of the Father’s loving presence. He said, “I hope we can sing ‘Our God is an Awesome God’. I don’t really know the tune very well but I do know that God is really awesome and that He loves me”. His matter-of-fact statement brought tears to my eyes.

We can look at the awful or we can seek our Awesome God and have each day filled with awe!

“O Lord, you are a great and awesome God! You always fulfill your covenant and keep your promises of unfailing love to those who love you and obey your commands.” Daniel 9:4 NLT

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Life At Farmville

How many of us used to occupy our free time with Farmville?

You remember don’t you. We got a little plot of ground, tilled the soil, planted crops and had to have the help of our friends to get a good harvest. It was just a silly game but some of us made real friends with our Farmville neighbors.

This morning I sat here thinking about what to share. Two words came to mind – Survive or Thrive.

When we face a crisis in life we can do one or the other. We can pull in and emotionally block out all that is around us and hope we survive or we can utilize the resources we have at our disposal and thrive.

Jesus was teaching his disciples about thriving when He told them this parable.

“A farmer went out to sow his seed. Some of it fell on the road; it was tramped down and the birds ate it. Other seed fell in the gravel; it sprouted, but withered because it didn’t have good roots. Other seed fell in the weeds; the weeds grew with it and strangled it. Other seed fell in rich earth and produced a bumper crop.

“Are you listening to this? Really listening?” 9 His disciples asked, “Why did you tell this story?”…11-12 “This story is about some of those people. The seed is the Word of God. The seeds on the road are those who hear the Word, but no sooner do they hear it than the Devil snatches it from them so they won’t believe and be saved.

13 “The seeds in the gravel are those who hear with enthusiasm, but the enthusiasm doesn’t go very deep. It’s only another fad, and the moment there’s trouble it’s gone. 14 “And the seed that fell in the weeds—well, these are the ones who hear, but then the seed is crowded out and nothing comes of it as they go about their lives worrying about tomorrow, making money, and having fun. 15 “But the seed in the good earth—these are the good-hearts who seize the Word and hold on no matter what, sticking with it until there’s a harvest.” Luke 8:5-15 MSG

Jesus told his disciples that the seed being planted was God’s word. Many things would try to keep the seed from producing a good harvest; hard hearts, troubles, being too busy, too focused on making a living.

And then there’s the good soil. The rocks have been removed, the soil has been cultivated, watered and some one is there to remove the weeds. Seed planted in that soil will bring a harvest of blessing.

During my lifetime I have been all of those different kinds of soil. God’s word, the seed, has been the same but I have thwarted its growth. But now, I am prepared to pull out the weeds of worry and fear, hard heartedness and selfishness.

Just like we needed our “friends” in Farmville to help us achieve a good crop we need our true friends to pray for us and encourage us, helping us as God’s word grows in our garden.

I am praying for all of you today. I pray that you have the strength and determination to let God’s Word grow and produce a harvest of blessing.

Our heavenly Father wants to us thrive – not just survive!

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Hope & Healing

I’d like to build on what I was writing about yesterday, the Good Shepherd. I know I spent several days on Psalm 23 a few weeks back and I hope you were encouraged to know that the Lord, our Shepherd, takes care of us in every circumstance; beside still waters, in green pastures, confronted by our enemies and in the valley of the shadow of death.

Yesterday we were reacquainted with the fact that our Good Shepherd gives His life for us, his sheep.

Jesus taught his disciples about the Father’s love and diligence when he told the story of the Shepherd that had lost a sheep from His flock. He left the whole band and went searching for the one who had strayed. He searched until He found it and then brought it home to safety. That’s what a good shepherd does.

“Let me ask you this. What would you do if you had a hundred sheep and one of them wandered off? Wouldn’t you leave the ninety-nine on the hillside and go look for the one that had wandered away? 13 I am sure that finding it would make you happier than having the ninety-nine that never wandered off. 14 That’s how it is with your Father in heaven. He doesn’t want any of these little ones to be lost.” Matthew 18:12-14

Did you know that sheep learn to recognize their Shepherd’s voice? Just like dogs, cats, horses, etc. they can remember and recognize familiar sounds. The voice of the Shepherd is comforting, soothing, reassuring. Other noises can create anxiety and fear but Shepherd brings peace. Jesus said that we, as His sheep, will hear His voice and follow Him.

“But the man who takes care of the sheep enters through the gate. He is the shepherd. 3 The man who guards the gate opens the gate for the shepherd. And the sheep listen to the voice of the shepherd. He calls his own sheep, using their names, and he leads them out. 4 He brings all of his sheep out. Then he goes ahead of them and leads them. The sheep follow him, because they know his voice.” John 10:2-5 ERV

It’s important that we listen for the Shepherd’s voice. He is always speaking to us; giving us direction, leading us to a place of rest and refreshing, guiding us through the rough places. I had just been reading these verses on hearing and following the Shepherd yesterday morning when I “heard” the Shepherd’s voice through the words of these verses in Psalms.

“Oh, the joys of those who are kind to the poor! The Lord rescues them when they are in trouble. 2 The Lord protects them  and keeps them alive. He gives them prosperity in the land  and rescues them from their enemies. 3 The Lord nurses them when they are sick and restores them to health.” Psalm 41:1-3 NLT

Reading those verses I recognized the Shepherd’s voice. He says he will rescue us, protect us, keep us alive and restore us to health. What wonderful promises and reassurance during this difficult time! Is it any wonder why I love reading the Bible so much? Every page contains expressions of the Father’s love and protection.

“Show me the right path, O Lord; point out the road for me to follow. 5 Lead me by your truth and teach me, for you are the God who saves me. All day long I put my hope in you.” Psalm 25:4-5 NLT

As we listen to the voice of the Shepherd (read His word), and follow Him. He will lead and protect. In Him we have hope and healing.

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Keep the Power On

We have two lamps in our home on timer switches. The one in my office comes on at 3:30 each morning. The one in the living room comes on at 4:30. I depend on these lamps – they light the room as I sit at my computer every morning and share my thoughts with you. One illuminates the area around my chair and the adjacent tabletop where I do my Bible reading and the other beams with a warm glow of welcome to the day.

It’s important for me to keep the power on.

Sometimes when we have overnight guests the lamps, inadvertently, get turned off. We try to make sure and tell everyone not to turn them off, “they will go off automatically”. Occasionally those words are forgotten and the lights go out when the last person heads to bed. We sleep the night in peaceful slumber but in the morning, at the anticipated time, there is no light. The lamp has lost its connection with its source of power.

Over the last few weeks I feel that many in our country and around the world have also experienced at power disconnect. Worry and anxiety have caused a power outage. Things have gone black in many hearts and homes. People have begun to stumble and emotions have fallen. It seems there is very little light at the end of the tunnel. It’s up to us to encourage them.

It’s up to us to keep the power on.

“That is why I want you to remember the gift God gave you. God gave you that gift when I laid my hands on you. Now I want you to use that gift and let it grow more and more, like a small flame grows into a fire. 7 The Spirit God gave us does not make us afraid. His Spirit is a source of power and love and self-control.” II Timothy 1:6-7 ERV

We have all been given specific gifts from God; some of us love to help others, some have a deep and enduring compassion, some bring joy, others teach and encourage, while others have an ability to provide strong leadership. Whatever the gift we’ve been given we need to utilize the power, love and self-control that God’s Spirit has placed within us.

Jesus said that we should be lights to the world. God has placed His light within us and its purpose is much like the brilliant beam of a light house. The light that shines from us helps direct others to a place of safety; it guides them through the trouble waters and keeps them off the rocks.

“You are the light that shines for the world to see. You are like a city built on a hill that cannot be hidden. 15 People don’t hide a lamp under a bowl. They put it on a lampstand. Then the light shines for everyone in the house. 16 In the same way, you should be a light for other people. Live so that they will see the good things you do and praise your Father in heaven.” Matthew 5:14-16 ERV

Even with our social distancing we can still give light to our family, friends and neighbors. Be a beacon of God’s amazing love and comfort. Shine brightly with encouragement and kindness, direct others to the safety and protection that we find in the Lord. Don’t let worry and fear turn off the power.

Keep the power on!

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