Category: Encouragement

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My Anchor Holds

What do we do when the seas of life start getting rough? Do we abandon ship? I hope not.

There are so many things that can shake us to the core; dangerous circumstances, loss of a loved one, financial crisis, relationship issues. So many things. Jesus answered each and everyone with the same words, fear not!

He said that to the man whose daughter was at the brink of death. Fear not was his command to his apostles on the stormy sea. He told Peter to go fishing when he needed to get the money to pay Caesar’s taxes. And when He was about to be crucified His command to his disciples was “Don’t worry”!

I once heard a sermon on rattlesnakes. The preacher asked what we would do if someone came to our door with a box of rattlers. The answer, of course, was not to let them in. He went on to say that worry, fear and anxiety are more deadly than that box of snakes. So, when those things come to plague us we shouldn’t let them in.

How do we keep them out; the thoughts of worry and fear?

We put God’s word at the door of our heart and mind and stop those thoughts from entering. We keep focused on God’s promises. Max Lucado, teacher and author, has coined a wonderful phrase, “Because God’s promises are unbreakable our hope is unshakable!”.

Hope!

“God cannot tell lies! And so his promises and vows are two things that can never be changed. We have run to God for safety. Now his promises should greatly encourage us to take hold of the hope that is right in front of us. 19 This hope is like a firm and steady anchor for our souls. In fact, hope reaches behind the curtain and into the most holy place.” Hebrews 6:18-19 CEV

Our hope in God’s promises will be the anchor that we need as we face life’s challenges. None of us are promised a life of only smooth seas and prevailing winds. When the storms come we can be assured that our anchor holds firm and that the One who said “Peace, be still” is right beside us in the boat.

We must find God’s promises and place our anchor there. Our hope in Him will hold us secure.

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Joy Comes in the Morning

How did you sleep last night?

Were you blessed with restful, peaceful sleep? Be thankful, so many weren’t. There are those who were up standing watch over their cities; firefighters, police, EMT’s, hospital staff. Then others were assigned to their posts of protecting our Nation; Army, Air Force, Marines, Navy, Coast Guard and Border Patrol. They all have a daunting task to perform in keeping us safe and they do it willingly.

Others I know were up half the night grieving over the recent loss of a loved one. The sadness, the loneliness covers them like a roaring wave, crashing on the shore. Last night, for many, was filled with travel; a flight taking them home to family and loved ones or taking them too some exciting destination. Then there were those who sat beside a dear precious soul getting ready to leave this earth for their heavenly home.

“The night may be filled with tears, but in the morning we can sing for joy!” Psalm 30:5b ERV

Over twenty years ago, I began each morning by reading Psalm 143 and Psalm 145. No matter what had happened the night before, I greeted each day focusing on God’s love and provision. I felt compelled to share this with you today. I have no idea what your night was like but God does. His purpose is to bring you joy this morning, lasting joy.

“Let me hear Your lovingkindness in the morning, For I trust in You. Teach me the way in which I should walk, For I lift up my soul to You. 9  Rescue me, O Lord, from my enemies;
I take refuge in You. 10  Teach me to do Your will [so that I may please You], For You are my God; Let Your good Spirit lead me on level ground. 11  Save my life, O Lord, for Your name’s sake; In Your righteousness bring my life out of trouble. 12  In your lovingkindness, silence and destroy my enemies And destroy all those who afflict my life, For I am Your servant.” Psalm 143:8-12 AMP

“The Lord lifts up people who have fallen. He helps those who are in trouble. 15 All living things look to you for their food and you give them their food at the right time. 16 You open your hands and give every living thing all that it needs. 17 Everything the Lord does is good. Everything he does shows how loyal he is. 18 The Lord is near to everyone who sincerely calls to him for help.” Psalm 145:14-18 ERV

I hope your day is joy-filled. The Father is reminding you of His lovingkindness.

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Time To Recharge

The last few mornings I have gotten up with one thought in mind – I wanted to go back to bed. I just haven’t slept well and felt my energy stores were low. I got up thinking “I’ll get a nap in later today” but later came and went and the time for napping went with it.

Yesterday, after my shower I did go in and lay down. I took my laptop and brought up a teaching by Josh Morris on the Kingdom of God. I listened to it three times. My body needed the rest and my heart needed the message.

I’m sure we’ve all seen the low power icon on our laptops, phones or tablets. “Power supply at 10%. Plug into power source.” And if we don’t heed the warning, we will get another one in a few minutes telling us we only have 7% of my power and if we ignore that warning the whole thing shuts down.

That’s how I was feeling. My power was in short supply, I was running low and about to shut down. I’ve been there many times and that weariness is my warning that I’m operating on stored power and need to reconnect to the power supply. I know I have written about this before but I needed to hear it again.

Jesus knew what it was like to need recharging. He would get up early in the morning and go to a quiet place to pray. He would draw power in prayer. Jesus knew his disciples would need that same power. Right before He ascended back to heaven He gave his disciples this command. Jesus gave them what He saw as their primary mission.

“One time when Jesus was eating with them, he told them not to leave Jerusalem. He said, “Wait here until you receive what the Father promised to send. Remember, I told you about it before. 5 John baptized people with water, but in a few days you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit…But the Holy Spirit will come on you and give you power. You will be my witnesses. You will tell people everywhere about me—in Jerusalem, in the rest of Judea, in Samaria, and in every part of the world.” Acts 1:4,5,8 ERV

Our mission, should we choose to accept it, is the same. We should give testimony of what God has done in our lives. Starting first with those closest to us and spreading out from there. Our family, our friends, neighbors, work mates…

Jesus knew they needed to be connected to the power supply, the Holy Spirit. It was essential. Jesus didn’t do any miracles or ministry until He had the Holy Spirit empowering Him and He doesn’t want us to attempt anything on our own either.

We need to be connected.

Thank you Father for reminding me that my power drains but I have the promise of Your power source with unlimited supply. I desire to stay plugged in to You today!

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Clear Direction

I was visiting with a dear friend yesterday and we were talking about how important it is that we hear clearly. If we don’t have good, concise communication we can be misled and taken off course.

The words “but I thought you said” can be disastrous. Years ago I had two friends who were visiting a large city for the first time. This is in the days before GPS. They were looking for a sports arena where a hockey game was going to be played. After stopping at a store and getting directions from the clerk, they got back in their car and headed out the way they had been told, or at least that’s what they thought. “I thought he said turn right” and so they did.

Very shortly they were in the wrong part of town and they were frightened by their surroundings. It was not good! They were able to get out of that situation with a few more turns that took them back to the main road and they arrived late, but unharmed, at their destination.

When we decide to follow the Lord he will give us the direction we need.

“Whether you turn to the right or to the left, you will hear a voice saying, “This is the road! Now follow it.” Isaiah 30:21 CEV

King David wrote in Psalms 23, that even if our path takes us through the valley of the shadow of death, we can live free from fear because we know that the Lord is with us. The important word here is “through”. God does not take us down a road and abandon us. He leads us through, which means we come out on the other side.

“Roll your works upon the Lord [commit and trust them wholly to Him; He will cause your thoughts to become agreeable to His will, and] so shall your plans be established and succeed.” Proverbs 16:3 AMP

The verse above is one of my “go to” verses. It is like true North on a compass. I know that when I follow the instructions in this verse I will receive clear direction. Remember yesterday’s devotional on trust? We can trust the Lord with every area of our life; He only wants what’s best for us. He isn’t out to harm us or to punish us, He is a loving Father who wants to add what’s beneficial and remove what’s harmful.

“We praise you, Lord God! You treat us with kindness day after day, and you rescue us.
20 You always protect us and save us from death.” Psalm 68:19-20 CEV

“Let all that I am praise the Lord; with my whole heart, I will praise his holy name.
2 Let all that I am praise the Lord; may I never forget the good things he does for me.
3 He forgives all my sins  and heals all my diseases.” Psalm 103:1-3 NLT

Listen for the Father’s voice; follow His leading and He will cause us to succeed.

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Oceans of Love

Not everyone enjoys celebrating Valentine’s Day. We need to try and make the day a little easier, a little brighter for them.

Some have been betrayed by someone who said they loved them. That kind of betrayal brings a deep kind of hurt. Some have been hurt too many times in life and have no desire to go on. While others have lost the love of their life to death.

I’m sorry, truly sorry, for those who have experienced this kind of pain.

Jesus knows that kind of hurt too. He experienced the worst from those He loved and His heart broke when He lost someone he loved to death. He was betrayed, despised, rejected and abandoned. He experienced these things while in His earthly body so He could be a comfort to us.

“He heals those who have a broken heart. He heals their sorrows. ” Psalm 147:3 NLT

He promises to never leave us, never forsake us! He has promised to heal the broken hearted! If you’re having a hard time with Valentine’s Day, go to Him. Give Jesus your heart and let Him bring healing and wholeness. Then celebrate the day with your forever Valentine.

“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” Isaiah 61:1-2 CEV

Jesus loves me this I know, for the Bible tells me so. God’s love is big enough for all of us. It is a deep and wide as the oceans and it will never run dry.

“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

Happy Valentine’s Day!

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First Steps

Many of us have had the experience of watching our child take their first steps. What a joy! But let’s remember all the coaxing and encouragement we gave leading up to that momentous occasion.

“You can do it!” ” Look at you – you are such a big girl (big boy)!” “I’ll catch you.”

Words of love, kindness and pride flowing from a patient parent’s heart. No chastising, ridicule or harassment. No! Taking first steps is a big deal and we wrap the step-taker with arms of love and then praise the accomplishment.

But this isn’t a one off experience. It will be repeated again and again with each new surface beneath their feet – tile floors, carpet, sidewalks, grass, wood chips and the ever shifting beach sand.

I remember the first time we took our youngest daughter to the beach. She had just learned to walk and I didn’t think anything about it when we walked out on the sand. As we stood there a small wave washed over our feet and then receded. When it did the sand beneath her toes began to move and shift. The expression on her face was one of perplexity and amazement. She picked up first one foot and then the other. But she kept her balance and we all laughed and clapped for her.

Love is patient, Love is kind!

“Love is kind and patient, never jealous, boastful, proud, or rude.” I Corinthians 13:4 CEV

All throughout life we experience many new things:

  • talking
  • walking
  • sleeping through the night
  • sharing
  • eating
  • reading
  • writing
  • operating the TV remote
  • learning a new computer program
  • driving
  • surfing
  • dancing
  • cooking
  • sewing
  • loving
  • forgiving
  • understanding
  • encouraging

And these are just a few of life’s basics, they are some of our “first steps”. As we learn, we all need someone’s encouraging words to keep going, keep trying, don’t give up! If we don’t receive that encouragement anywhere else we will always receive it from our Heavenly Father. He is love incarnate!!

“All who declare that Jesus is the Son of God have God living in them, and they live in God. 16 We know how much God loves us, and we have put our trust in his love. God is love, and all who live in love live in God, and God lives in them.” I John 4:15-16 NLT

He cheers us on each hour of every day. He is patient with us and His words are always kind. If we listen with our hearts we will hear Him encouraging us every step of the way.

Our first steps are important to the Father!

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The First Report Isn’t Final

Yesterday I had the opportunity to share with a friend something I had heard a Bible teacher friend say years and years ago. The depth of this statement is sometimes lost in its simplicity.

“The first report is not the last report.”

We need to guard our hearts when we receive a first report of bad news. The report may contain devastating information but our loving Father is in the news re-creation business. Society may say that our actions are unforgiveable but God says forgiven, washed cleaned.

A few days ago I gave you the highlights of Joseph’s life. The first report his brothers gave their father was “Joseph is dead”. But, the last report came thirteen years later when those same brothers went to the father and said we need to go to Egypt, Joseph is alive.

The banker may say “bankrupt” but God’s word says He will supply all our needs. The doctor may say “terminal” but God says I will forgive all your sins and heal all your diseases. Business critics may say “you’ve failed, you’ll never recover” but the Lord promises that we can do all things through Christ who is our strength.

“They will not be afraid of bad news. They are confident because they trust in the Lord. 8 They remain confident and without fear, so they defeat their enemies.” Psalm 112:7-8 ERV

The first report is not the last report. Don’t be afraid of bad news, instead be confident and trust the Lord.

There was a dark and terrible day. A man, who had only done good, was convicted of a horrible crime and sentenced to die. His mother stood silent as she watched His execution. The first report was “he’s dead – put him in a tomb”. However, three days later there was another report, the final report, which was “go tell my disciples that I have risen from the dead”. Jesus is the essence of a good, final report!

The first report of our life may contain news of our failures and shortcomings, our weaknesses and defeat. But the last report, the final report, is still being written and it will read

“We thank God for the power Christ has given us. He leads us and makes us win in everything.” II Corinthians 2:14a NLT

Don’t give up – wait for the final report!

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End of the Weak

Many of you are at the end of another work week and all of us are almost at the end of the month of January. Oh my, that went by so quickly!

How many times has worry captured our attention and weakened our resolve in the past few weeks? How many times have we ended the day exhausted and stressed out because of the circumstances we have faced?

“Jesus said to his disciples: I tell you not to worry about your life!” Luke 12:22

It just doesn’t get much plainer than that. This isn’t a suggestion or a nice idea and it’s not an impossible concept. It is a direct admonition from Jesus and because of that He must have the solution to our propensity for worry.

Plain – simple – truth! I love that the Lord knew we would have multiple opportunities to worry each day yet His instruction is that we do the exact opposite. How can this be?

He knows something we all should be learning daily. He knows how much the Father loves and cares for us.

“Don’t worry about having something to eat or wear. 23 Life is more than food or clothing. 24 Look at the crows! They don’t plant or harvest, and they don’t have storehouses or barns. But God takes care of them. You are much more important than any birds. 25 Can worry make you live longer? 26 If you don’t have power over small things, why worry about everything else?

27 Look how the wild flowers grow! They don’t work hard to make their clothes. But I tell you that Solomon with all his wealth wasn’t as well clothed as one of these flowers. 28 God gives such beauty to everything that grows in the fields, even though it is here today and thrown into a fire tomorrow. Won’t he do even more for you? You have such little faith! 29 Don’t keep worrying about having something to eat or drink.” Luke 12:22-29 CEV

This means that we don’t have to worry about the finances that we will need to buy the groceries, the clothing or to provide a place to live. We can trust our Father. I remember when our kids were younger. They weren’t concerned about having enough to eat; they just expected to open the fridge and find something to eat. They trusted that we would provide for them; in fact, they would add items to the grocery list.

“Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. 7 Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:6-7 NLT

We can’t trust and worry at the same time. They are contrary to one another. I encourage you, don’t let another week end where you are stressed or worried. Worry weakens the body and the emotions. Each day hand your cares to the Father and trust Him to handle them. He can and He will!

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Winning Strategy

Have you ever struggled with something – a new computer program, a project at work, or a relationship? You were sure you knew exactly what to do to make it work but your efforts ended in failure.

Not long before King David died, he told Solomon:

“My son, I will soon die, as everyone must. But I want you to be strong and brave. 3 Do what the Lord your God commands and follow his teachings. Obey everything written in the Law of Moses. Then you will be a success, no matter what you do or where you go.” I Kings 2:1-3 CEV

Our thinking or reasoning isn’t always the best. Take Joshua as an example. He was tasked with conquering the city of Jericho. It was a walled, well fortified city, many people lived there and the city was guarded. I’m sure Joshua was developing a plan of attack when the Lord spoke to him.

“Meanwhile, the people of Jericho had been locking the gates in their town wall because they were afraid of the Israelites. No one could go out or come in. 2-3 The Lord said to Joshua: With my help, you and your army will defeat the king of Jericho and his army, and you will capture the town. Here is how to do it: March slowly around Jericho once a day for six days. 4 Take along the sacred chest and have seven priests walk in front of it, carrying trumpets. But on the seventh day, march slowly around the town seven times while the priests blow their trumpets. 5 Then the priests will blast on their trumpets, and everyone else will shout. The wall will fall down, and your soldiers can go straight in from every side.” Joshua 6:1-5 CEV

Seriously, was he supposed to take a city by marching around and blowing trumpets? It wasn’t the tactic that caused Joshua to be successful. He captured it by being obedient to what the Lord has said!

“The priests blew their trumpets again, and the soldiers shouted as loud as they could. The walls of Jericho fell flat. Then the soldiers rushed up the hill, went straight into the town, and captured it.” Joshua 6:20 CEV

What is our “Jericho”? Is it the challenges we face at work, a rocky relationship with someone who had been a close friend or loved family member, a looming financial crisis or perhaps a health issue?

If we’ve been trying to figure out the correct strategy on our own it’s time to listen to the One who has the perfect solution. When we do, we’ll be victorious!

“No, despite all these things, overwhelming victory is ours through Christ, who loved us.” Romans 8:37 NLT

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Don’t Lose Heart

How many of you keep a list of things you’ve prayed about and are waiting to see the answer? I have such a list. On it are situations and circumstances that I have prayed about; there are the names of friends and family who need miracles in the health and personal/business dealings. Then there are the things in this world that need God’s touch.

On that list I mark the date when I see the answer come. I draw a line through the name or circumstance and put a date out beside it. I love crossing things off the list. Someone is given a clean bill of health, another receives a new job or promotion and still another comes to peace with a troubling situation.

For almost eight years Dave and I lived waiting for our house in Montana to sell so that we could return to Arizona. Some mornings I would get up and be so discouraged. I would find myself saying “when Lord, when?”. Other mornings I would get up full of joy saying “thank you Lord we are one day closer”. I’m glad to say there were more joy filled days than frustrating ones.

I’ve just finished reading about Abraham and Sarah and the birth of Isaac. God had promised Abraham he would have countless descendants twenty-five years before their son was born. I imagine he had days of discouragement during that time but he held on to God’s promise. His faith in God’s promise was greater than his circumstances.

“Abraham believed he would be the father of many nations. He had no reason to hope for this, but he had been told, “Your children will become many nations.” 19 Abraham was about one hundred years old. His body was about dead, but his faith in God was not weak when he thought of his body. His faith was not weak when he thought of his wife Sarah being past the age of having children. 20 Abraham did not doubt God’s promise. His faith in God was strong, and he gave thanks to God. ” Romans 4:18-19 NLV

Let me encourage you today. Don’t lose heart; don’t be overcome by discouragement. Be confident, trust God; He is working where we can’t see. He will keep His promises.

“Do not throw away your trust, for your reward will be great. 36 You must be willing to wait without giving up. After you have done what God wants you to do, God will give you what He promised you.” Hebrews 10:35-36 NLV

We are one day closer to seeing God’s answer! Don’t lose heart.

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