Tag Archives: encourage

He Cares – Deuteronomy 32:7-12

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The Bible very often uses imagery in its passages to illustrate and emphasise a point.  This passage is no exception, as it picks up on the Eagles relationship with its young.  The bird watchers among us would realise that Eagles take extremely good care of their young, ensuring their

offspring is will fed, well looked after, and even when it comes to flying the nest, the parents are still near by watching over their young.

Our Lord God cares for us and just as the Eagle, he is always hovering above us, always ready to swoop against the enemy to protect us, always there to help and guide us, a friend that will never leave us, nor let us down.  I think using the imagery of the Eagle, highlights how committed the Lord really is to us.  I understand that upon birth, some birds and animals abandon their young, and their young fend for themselves, but not the Eagle.  The Eagle remains attentive, and sees to the needs of the nest.  The Lord is even more committed to us that an Eagle is to it’s offspring.

He is there to pick us up when we fall, He is there to encourage us when we are down, He is there to share in our joy and our laughter, He never abandons us.  In those moments where I feel alone, or feel far from God, I am going to try to remember these verses and remember just as an Eagle, and just as in the wastelands from this passage, the Lord will always be there for me.

Faith Tester – Matthew 11:1-6

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Doubt is definitely a faith tester!  Our Daily Bread hits the nail on the head, when it comes to the sorts of questions that regularly come to mind with regards to the existence of God, with regard to Jesus claims, with regards to pretty much any matter of faith!  The reassuring thing is that I would appear not to be the only one who has these moments!

John too when the going got tough did too experience those sorts of feelings.  It can be difficult to remain positive on the bleaker circumstances of life.  The test in these circumstances though are what you do with these thoughts.  Do you let them eat you up inside?  Do you let them take over your thoughts?  Do you give up all hope?

John did not do that!  He turned to Jesus and brought his questions to Him!  Jesus responded with encouragement and with examples of His miracles.  He was able to reassure John in difficult times.  We too should give any of these thoughts to Jesus and ask Him to help us.  He can and will through the power of His Holy Spirit encourage us, build us up and give us the knowledge and confidence in Him.

If anyone is reading my ramblings today, I really recommend you look at today’s Our Daily Bread.  Also if you find my ramblings useful, please take the time to contact me and let me know!

Encouragement – Hebrews 10:19-25

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Today’s Our Daily Bread, reminds me not only that I am completely gutted I am not running the London Marathon this year, but also of how important encouragement has been to me throughout any of my marathons.  It is strange that even when you are at that dreaded mile 20 – 22, and your legs feel like folding under you, and you have hit that proverbial wall, one shout of encouragement can really fill you with a new burst of energy and determination of which you never expected!

When I ran the Nottingham Marathon 2 years ago, I was at around mile 23, my friend Lon had been biking along side me the whole way offering encouragement and plenty of water.  I was close to tears and giving in when he suddenly biked on ahead, and somehow got an entire restaurant to start shouting in unison “Go Lee”.  Partly them embarrasment, but also the inspiration from all those encouraging words spurred me on to complete my first ever marathon (and at the time I thought is should probably be my last…  2 years on and I haven’t learnt that lesson!)

Verse 24 says: Let us think of ways to motivate one another to acts of love and good works.

(NLT)

Our Christian lives are very much like a marathon.  There are temptations left right and centre drawing us to them, there are many people who do not understand what we are so passionate about and they can sometimes be cruel, or inconsiderate.  Busy lives with work, family and hobbies can pull us away from church and or time with the Lord.  There are many times that we can hit that proverbial wall!  That is why it is so important we do what we are being told here.  Encourage one another.

Just as my strength was renewed on the Nottingham Marathon, our strength, our confidence, our sense of doing the right thing, our love for the Lord, our passion for Him can be renewed within a heart beat by one kind and encouraging word.  We can build each other up using encouraging words, words of truth from the Bible as well as prayer.  Coming together as groups of believers and sharing fellowship is so important if we are to keep running the race.  Without other Christian brothers and sisters to cheer you on, there is a temptation to stop, veer off the race track, no not finish the race.   Church, fellowship, Bible Study and socialising with Christians?  An absolute MUST!

Praying the Word – Jeremiah 1:12

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The reading in the Word for Today looks at Praying the Word.  There are many occasions when I have absolutely no idea what to say when I pray, and I tend to ramble on, trying to cover many subjects without actually praying into the needs of them.  That is not to say that that is wrong, or that God doesn’t understand!  No matter what we say in prayer, Jesus intercedes for us Romans 8:34.  He knows our hearts, and even when our words are not reflecting what our hearts mean, the Lord

knows our exact needs and wishes.

The Word is Gods word!  When we are trying to find the words to say something, we should take a look in the Bible.  Gods word is so clear, so perfect, so wonderful.  Everything in it is right.  The Bible is full of the Lords promises, so praying them into your issues not only clarify them to you and the Lord, but encourage you with the reminders of his promises.

It helps us focus on the Word.  Whilst we are looking through scripture, for passages that have meaning to our situation and praying them to the Lord, we are also able to learn from the Word, get guidance, comfort, encouragement.  As above, reading his promises help to build us up and equip us for the times ahead.

The Word for Today looks at habitual sin and the hold it has on peoples lives.  Habitual sin can hold us back in our spiritual growth.  It does not build up or edify.  Whilst we are slave to Sin, we miss out on the blessings of a close relationship with the Lord.  For those caught up in habitual Sin, pray the Lords promises into the situation.  Seek freedom so that you may have a renewed relationship with the Lord, so that you may be freed from the chains, and free to follow Gods amazing plan for your life.

Here is a list of promises from todays reading to consider:

Psalm 91:15  |  Romans 8:2  |  James 4:7  |  2 Corinthians 10:5
2 Peter 1:4  |  Ephesians 3:14-21

Resisting Temptation – Luke 4:1-13

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First of all I am reminded that temptation is not a sin.  Jesus lead a sinless life on earth to be the perfect sacrifice for our sins.  Even Jesus was tempted in the desert and yet He was able to resist temptation.   It is our calling as Christians to be obedient to the Lord and to resist

the devil and his temptations.

How did Jesus resist temptation?  Notice verse 1

 1 Jesus, full of the Holy Spirit, returned from the Jordan and was led by the Spirit in the desert…

The Holy Spirit.  Our God is so amazing, that he pours out His Holy Spirit upon us to help us, to guide us, comfort us and give us strength.  Leaning on our own strength and willpower, and stood staring temptation in the face, we don’t have a hope.  Especially those Christians caught in a habitual sin, they will understand that even though they know they do not want to partake in it everytime, they can’t seem to help themselves.

How can we resist temptation?  By leaning on the Holy Spirit.  By reading Gods Word as regularly as possible thus focusing our minds on Him, and filling our hearts with truths as opposed to the lies of temptation  (Note; Jesus used scripture when resisting temptation).  By fellowship with other Christians that we may learn from each other, share our problems and thoughts and encourage one another.  By getting rid of those things that cause us to Sin or are a source of temptation, that could include drugs, friends, internet, music etc.

By resisting we are being obedient to the Lord.  John 14:15 “If you love me, you will obey what I command”.  It is our duty as followers of Jesus to strive to obey Him.  Resisting temptation is one of the many ways we can Glorify our Lord.  Take a look at these two portions of 1 Peter:  1 Peter 3: 1-2,  and 1 Peter 3: 15-16.  Remember that old saying that I have no doubt used many times within my journal?  Actions speak louder than words.

Complaining – Num. 14:1-5,26-27

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Today’s devotional picks up on complaining!  I am going to lean heavily on the verses it recommends in my journal for today as it is extremely useful in giving clear guidelines on how to eradicate a complaining heart, and be obedient to Him.

Phillipians 2:14 – Do all things without grumbling or disputing

As we see in Numbers, complaining doesn’t get the Israelites anywhere!  Looking back at yesterdays reading we see that being negative, letting bad words leave your mouth does not help to encourage or build up yourself or others.

It is so important, therefore, that we try to grow in Christ leaving the old complaining heart behind us.   The steps from Our Daily Bread are as follows:

Disciplining our thoughts (Romans 12:2): By feeding on the Word and counting our blessings.  Focusing on worldly things and desires have us loose sight of what is important.  Our relationship with God.

Confession (1 John 1:9): Confessing, and committing ourselves to obedience.

Accepting Help (John 14:26):  Humbling ourselves and admitting our need for help!  We cannot break chains with our own strength!  We need the power of the Holy Spirit, and the help

and support of brothers and sisters in Christ for support and encouragement.

Whatever the sin, be it as in this example, or any other that you struggle with, these steps I think will be of such value.  Kudos to the writer Anne Cetas from Our Daily Bread!

To Live By – Ephesians 4:25-5:1

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There is so much in these verses, I hardly know where to start, so I am going to break it up into chunks. There are many truths we can live by contained here.

25 Therefore each of you must put off falsehood and speak truthfully to his neighbour, for we are all members of one body

Not only do we need to ensure we are honest with people, but we should also be honest with ourselves, and not try to portray an image of ourselves to others that is not accurate. Acting like someone your not will not enable others to guide and encourage you correctly for the person you really are.

26“In your anger do not sin”: Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry, 27 and do not give the devil a foothold.

Sin is something that will always bring us down. I think I have quoted my friend before when she said, “becoming a Christian takes the fun out of sinning!” We know that there really is no fun in sinning as it never satisfies, however I think she is referring to the feeling we as Christians get afterwards and even during! Guilt! Guilt does not help to build us up, or encourage us to do great things for the Lord. It acts to dampen our spirits and loose confidence in ourselves and His great purpose. In this state, as a result it can also lead to more sin, be it of the same nature, or a catalogue of issues, the devil will use anything to bring us crashing to a halt!

28 He who has been stealing must steal no longer, but must work, doing something useful with his own hands, that he may have something to share with those in need.

Once we become Christians, we shouldn’t look to continue in our old ways.

Be it in this case stealing, or in other cases alcohol, pornography, sex, gambling, drugs, whatever the compulsion or addiction. These things build barriers between us and the Lord. Be become consumed by them, and loose focus on the Living Word of God that edifies us and bursts for Living Water and fulfils our lives.

29 Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.

Sometimes a bad word against somebody, an ill placed joke or offensive word can discourage another brother or sister. We need to encourage one another, enabling us all to grow in the Lord, and prompting

us to action.

30 And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, with whom you were sealed for the day of redemption.

When you become a Christian, the Holy Spirit enters your life. The Holy Spirit gives us strength to live by, wisdom, comfort, in fact check out all the wonderful gifts of the Holy Spirit in 1 Corinthians 12:4-11. Grieving Him through sin, neglect, doubt etc starves us of the amazing gifts He has to bestow in our lives.

31 Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice.

Again, use of words can discourage others and is not a good witness to the lost who look to us as examples of the Love of God.

32 Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.

With a list of “what not to do’s”, these two verses guide us in the right direction. You will have heard me use the word imitate many times in my reading journals, and I am amazed at how many times it crops up. It’s a healthy reminder to us hungry to get it right for Jesus! The reason I wear a WWJD wrist band, is to remind me of one of my main principles to live by. What would Jesus do in this situation? Would Jesus forgive this person? Would Jesus do this? Would Jesus go and pray with that person?

This verse sums it up:

Ephesians 5:1 Be imitators of God, therefore, as dearly loved children

Others Feelings – Matthew 5:21-26

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22 But I tell you that anyone who is angry with his brother will be subject to judgment.

This challenged me this morning as I too have been guilty in the past of name calling, and teasing.  One step we can take is to really think about the words we use with people.  Sometimes, without thinking, we can use words that put others down, or can even be offensive.

As Christians, we should be imitating Christ, and building each other up (encouraging on another).  I think it has become culturally acceptable to tease a person “in jest”.  We use the excuse that we are saying these things “as a friends” and “just joking with you!”.  And although people laugh, and the person who is on the receiving end may laugh, they could actually be hurting inside.  Plus the fact you are making fun, even in a “friendly” way, you are still possibly pointing out flaws, or simply putting that person down.

I myself often “poke fun” in a friendly way with friends, but am now challenged to reconsider my approach and to think about what it is I am saying, and how that could affect my brother or sisters feelings.

We can also apply this teaching in situations where someone says something nasty to you.  It is so tempting to want to reply back with something equally as nasty!  Remember all sin is sin.  There is no sin that is more sinful than another.  Of course in human terms we assign categories and levels to Sin and pat ourselves on the back for not committing the “really bad” sins, however this scripture points out that God does not categorise sin in this way.

Romans 6:23
23 For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord. 

I have learnt 2 lessons today.  Firstly, no matter how much I am “joking” I need to really consider what I say to people, and continue to imitate Christ.  Secondly not to categorise sin into “good sin” and “bad sin” buckets.  We will be standing before the almighty Father and Judge, who is perfect.  If we go before him without Jesus, we don’t stand a chance!

Turn to Him, seek forgiveness of your sins, and continue to live for Him.

As a result of this reading, I need to go apologise to a few people!