A Time To Rejoice

The angels rejoiced at the coming of the Christ-child!  Have you rejoiced today?  What does it mean “To rejoice?”

• It’s difficult to rejoice when you are in pain.
• It’s difficult to rejoice when you have been betrayed.
• It’s difficult to rejoice when life seems to be against you on every side.

Why does life seem to work for everyone else but you?

Nevertheless I will rejoice!!

Psalm 104:34  May my meditation be pleasing to him, for I rejoice in the LORD.

Psalm 90:14  Satisfy us in the morning with your steadfast love, that we may rejoice and be glad all our days.

Philippians 4:4  Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice.

Thayer's Definition of rejoice is:

1)      to rejoice, be glad 2) to rejoice exceedingly 3) to be well, thrive 4) in salutations, hail! 5) at the beginning of letters: to give one greeting, salute

I was taken back when I saw that to rejoice also meant to be well or to thrive.  

I must confess that right now I don’t feel very well in an earthly sense, nor am I thriving.

However, life is a matter of living with the right perspective.  One person looks out the window and sees all the ice, snow and bitter cold.  Another person looks out the window and sees all the beauty of a frosty winter day.

One person looks at the beauty of fall colors.  Another person looks at all the hard work of raking leaves and picking up all the yard rubble.

Some parents look at their child and are saddened by what they see.  Other parents look at their child and see God’s hand of love and grace.

It’s all a matter of perspective and looking through the lens of God’s gracious love and mercy.

Don’t despair on what is, but rather rejoice in God's love, care, and provision.

Psalm 31:7  I will be glad and rejoice in thy mercy: for thou hast considered my trouble; thou hast known my soul in adversities;

He Is Taking Care Of Us

Even in the midst of difficult times, we are to live by faith trusting in His love and presence, because we know that He never leaves or forsakes us and works out all things for our good.

Romans 8:28  And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.

Job 42:1-3  Then Job answered the LORD and said:  "I know that you can do all things, and that no purpose of yours can be thwarted. 'Who is this that hides counsel without knowledge?' Therefore I have uttered what I did not understand, things too wonderful for me, which I did not know.

1 Peter 1:5-7  who by God's power are being guarded through faith for a salvation ready to be revealed in the last time.  In this you rejoice, though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been grieved by various trials, so that the tested genuineness of your faith—more precious than gold that perishes though it is tested by fire—may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ.

God promises that He is taking care of us.  The warmth of his presence covers us in the spiritually desolate and coldest of times.  Every detail of our life is under His control and is according to His design and purpose.

Our life is not governed by random chance, but rather, by His sovereignty.  If we could only see how close He is to us and how He works on our behalf, we would never doubt His love for us and how deeply He cares about what is on in the horizon for our tomorrows.

Pinched Nerve

All it took was a pinched nerve to put me flat on my back.  The pain is still there and the remembrance of not being able to move lingers.  I have never before experienced a pinched nerve that completely immobilized me.  There I laid flat on my back with rain hitting my face and calling for help.

Have you ever had someone pinch a spiritual nerve that put you flat on your spiritual back and left you calling for help?  An unkind word and thoughtless deed someone did to you that linger in your mind.  We may say to ourselves, "Well, that's the last time I'll reach out to them."  Forgiveness doesn't come easily.  Cry out to God, “Lord, help me!”  He promises to come to our aid and help and heal us. 

I'm so thankful that God is forgiving and I am called by God to be a forgiving individual.  The Psalmist cried out to God Psalm 25:18 consider my affliction and my trouble, and forgive all my sins.  We too cry out to God to be forgiving and are to remember to be forgiving to others because we have been forgiven.  

Col. 3:13 - bearing with one another and, if one has a complaint against another, forgiving each other; as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive.   

1John 1:9 - If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

Mat 7:24-27 - Everyone then who hears these words of mine and does them will be like a wise man who built his house on the rock.  And the rain fell, and the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on that house, but it did not fall, because it had been founded on the rock.  And everyone who hears these words of mine and does not do them will be like a foolish man who built his house on the sand.  And the rain fell, and the floods came, and the winds blew and beat against that house, and it fell, and great was the fall of it.

There is so much hatred in the world today.  If people were more forgiving there would be fewer wars and conflicts.  Why can't we love others as God has loved and forgiven us? 

We should not be surprised that there is so much hatred in the world today resulting in so much conflict.  It has all been predicted that it would be a sign of the end times.  Matthew 24:6 - And you will hear of wars and rumors of wars. See that you are not alarmed, for this must take place, but the end is not yet.  True peace can only be found through Jesus Christ. 

John 16:33 I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world."

Romans 5:1 Therefore, since we have been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.

Christ was called the "Prince of Peace"  Isaiah 9:6  For to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder, and his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.

When people reject Christ the only thing left is conflict.  That is why there is so much conflict in the Middle East - because Christ has been rejected.

Families, businesses, and communities who have rejected Christ will never experience the wonderful "fruit of the Spirit" of Love, Joy, and Peace.

How does one recover come a pinched nerve?  How does one recover from a spiritually pinched nerve?

Suffering a pinched nerve in your neck, back, arms or elsewhere in your body is painful and can prevent one from being able to or even feeling like taking part in normal, everyday activities.

Knowing how to treat a pinched nerve will help you deal with the pain, whether using home remedies or over-the-counter medications to temporarily relieve the pain, or lifestyle changes to curb recurrence of pinched nerves.

Pray and ask God to heal your hurts and pains.  He is the Great Physician.

Appreciating Your Child

Several years ago I never thought I would ever write a commentary on how much I appreciate my daughter."

Our daughter has become a spiritual mentor and encourager.  I so appreciate her commitment to our Lord.  She obtained the discipling program "Blueprint for Life," went through it and now we are going through it together.

The contents of the program include contributions by the following authors:  Andy Stanley, Tony Evans, Bruce Wilkinson, Dennis Rainey, Chip Ingram, and John Maxwell just to name a few.  We are enjoying our time growing in the Lord together.

As the author, Andy Stanley, says in the Forward, "Blueprint for Life will not only expand your understanding of God's unique purpose for you life, but it will show you how to develop goals to that end as well."

Chapter One alone explores the questions of "Who Am I, My Life's Purpose, Why Am I Here? and the Pure Desires of My Heart."  It also asks the questions of "What Am I Passionate About, What Is My Giftedness, and What Are My Resources?"  It causes one to think about opportunities, past events, environments, God's Word and seeking wise council.

It's never too late and we're never too old to consider what God wants from us.

Thank you Brenda for lighting the fire once again -- God knew what He was doing when He gave you to us -- He knew all along.

Love you very much,

Dad

Mat 28:18-20   And Jesus came and said to them, "All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me.  Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age."

The Unexpected Happened

Wow!  What a day!  I woke up this morning with the full intention of going to Sunday School and Church.  Things were going well.  I got up early, took my bath, shaved and dressed.  My family went through their morning rituals and it looked like we were right on schedule. I went outside to start the car. Then the unexpected happened. It was raining hard so I checked the outside back stair-well drain.  It sometimes gets plugged up with leaves which results in water leaking into the basement. I noticed that a downspout had worked loose at the corner of the house and water was pooling. Not good because that also leaks into the basement.  So I went in, grabbed my umbrella, then went back outside to put the downspout back on. As I was leaning over, I suddenly felt as though I had no strength and I collapsed into the mud. The only thing I could do was roll on my back and call for my wife and daughter to help me get up. I felt helpless.

Finally my daughter and wife heard my cries and were able to help me up. But my clothes were soaked and muddy, so my family left for church without me.  What else could they do? They have their own responsibilities.  Once inside, I dried off, crawled into bed and began having my own private devotion.  

Verses that I read include the following:

Psa. 31:24  Be strong, and let your heart take courage, all you who wait for the LORD!  My hope and strength is in the Lord.

Rom 8:28    And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.

Gal 6:9        And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up.

1 Pet. 1:6-9 In this you rejoice, though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been grieved by various trials, so that the tested genuineness of your faith—more precious than gold that perishes though it is tested by fire—may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ. Though you have not seen Him, you love Him. Though you do not now see Him, you believe in Him and rejoice with joy that is inexpressible and filled with glory, obtaining the outcome of your faith, the salvation of your souls.

Lord, thank you for being there for me this morning.  I know that You are watching out for me and meeting my every need.  I don’t always understand my journey, but I know that You are right here walking beside me and comforting me.  Thank you for saving me!

The only thing I didn't do was sing in the rain!

Use Me Lord

One of the things I sincerely want to do is use the Word of God to minister to people.

In order to do that it is essential to be where there are people.  My sinful nature wants to be a loner, but I can’t do that if I want to be spiritually helpful to others.

Mat 5:14-16 "You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden.  Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house.  In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.

Several months ago I damaged my ankle and ever since then I’ve had to adjust my life as to how and when I do things.  At this point I’m just making an educated guess that the pain in my back is because of the injured ankle.  In favoring the ankle, I’ve put stress on my back and one thing has led to an other.

I know, I can hear you now…”Well dummy, get the ankle fixed” -- Money…money…money. Poor excuse, huh?  Oh well, it is what it is.

However, what has happened is that the focus of my day has changed.  All things do work together for good, right?  What has happened is that I am using my time now to write these devotional thoughts and put them on the internet.

There are many options before me….do nothing, continue trying to get out, or pray and ask God to open up new avenues of exposure because the text above says that I have “light” that is to be seen by others. It does no good to hide that light.  I am to let it shine before others.

The question I wrestle with at the moment is…where and how.  My passion and spiritual gifts include teaching at the top.  Lord, use me to teach others about You!

We are to be a lamp-stand. Thus I am to let my light shine, not to glorify myself  but my Father who is in heaven.  Light shines to see others by, not to call attention to self.

It seems like so many of the commercials on TV and phone calls we receive at home are from people (companies) wanting us to go back to school and get more knowledge. “Hey, Mr. Moffitt -- Why not go back to school and see what you are missing.  You’ll be much better off if you do.”

No, the Lord tells me to learn to be content. Don’t get me wrong, there are times when God may be calling one to go back to school in order to become more effective for Him such as to Seminary, or Bible School.  But it’s for Him and not self!  Not all education is a bad thing.  However, just as in all of life, there is good and evil.  Food is a good thing, but gluttony is a bad thing. Sex is a good thing, but within the boundaries that God has set. 

At any rate, I already have an M.Div.  USE ME LORD where I am and with what I have to offer.

Overcoming Doubt

OVERCOMING DOUBT BY DECIDING WHO’S IN CONTROL.

When I was very young, I used to watch a science fiction show called “Captain Video (and his Video Rangers).”

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Captain_Video_and_His_Video_Rangers

Boy, am I giving away my age.

This show and so many other science fiction programs used the phrase “Mission Control Here!”  You would then hear this very “dark and mysterious” voice relaying messages and giving commands.

At one time they offered a special “Captain Video” helmet which I ordered.  When it was delivered it came in a flat cardboard envelope.  My first thought was..”This doesn’t look like what I saw on TV.”

I was right! When I took it out of the envelope and unfolded the thinly colored “helmet” and put it on my head, I quickly realized…I COULDN’T BREATHE!…and IT WAS HOT!!  It was the first and last time I ever ordered something offered on a TV program.

I decided to never again be swayed by the “lure of the commercial.”  After all, all they want is my money!

Mat 6:25 Therefore I tell you, do not be anxious about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink, nor about your body, what you will put on.  Is not life more than food and the body more than clothing?

Commercial advertising makes you believe that life would be much better if only you would buy their product.  They create the anxiety that being left out of something is going to have a negative impact on you or the life of your family.

In the garden Satan came and tempted Eve with the fact that she was missing out on something, and his desire was to lead her away from a sincere relationship with God.  2 Corinthians 11:3 But I am afraid that as the serpent deceived Eve by his cunning, your thoughts will be led astray from a sincere and pure devotion to Christ.

She was led astray by the “lure of the commercial.”  "After all Eve, don’t you want to be like God and know what is good and evil?"  Gen 3:5 For God knows that when you eat of it your eyes will be opened, and you will be like God, knowing good and evil."

It seems like so many of the commercials on TV and phone calls we receive at home are from people (companies) wanting us to go back to school and get more education.

“Hey,  Mr. Moffitt!  Why not go back to school and see what you're missing. You’ll be much better off if you do.”

No, the Lord tells me to learn to be content.  Don’t get me wrong, there are times when God may be calling you to go back to school in order to become more effective for Him such as to Seminary, Bible School, or some other field of choice where you can be used for His glory.  But it’s for Him and not self!  It is to make a better life for you and your family.  Not all education is a bad thing.  However, just as in all of life, there’s good and evil. Food is a good thing, but gluttony is a bad thing.  Sex is a good thing — within the boundaries that God has set.

ANXIETY PROFITS NOTHING

Mat 6:26 Look at the birds of the air: they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them.  Are you not of more value than they? Mat 6:27 And which of you by being anxious can add a single hour to his span of life?

Mat 6:28 And why are you anxious about clothing? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow: they neither toil nor spin,

Mat 6:29-30 yet I tell you, even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these.  But if God so clothes the grass of the field, which today is alive and tomorrow is thrown into the oven, will he not much more clothe you, O you of little faith?

Anxiety comes as a result of having little faith.  The closer we get to God, the more we get to know Him.  The more we know Him, the more we believe in His Word.

He is faithful;  He is true; He loves me! That’s something you can take to the bank.  It’s there to withdraw for those rainy days of doubt!

I Sure Wish I Could Do That!

Have you ever uttered that phrase?  I know I have...many times.  I've eaten many a delicious meal that I could only dream about being able to cook.  The microwave is my best friend.  I can make tea and every once in a while a good cup of coffee.  I'm still working on that one.

In high school sports, I was just a couple of steps beyond the "mascot."  But I did enjoy being in the band as a trumpet player.  Practice made the difference, but I had little "natural talent."  I worked hard at it, and the practice paid off.  That I know of, I have no "natural talent."  Everything has come with difficulty and practice.  The only thing that seems to come naturally, is doing the wrong thing.  My flesh is truly weak.

The Apostle Paul struggled with the sinful flesh as much as anyone, if not more.  If you have been given breath, you have a sinful nature that fights daily against doing what is right before God.  Romans 7:15  For I do not understand my own actions.  For I do not do what I want, but I do the very thing I hate.The law of God is a spiritual law and is in constant warefare against the sinful nature that indwells us. 

When one accepts Jesus Christ as Savior, His Spirit comes to indwell us and immediately seeks to gain the ground which Satan has claimed for so many years.  Rom 7:20  Now if I do what I do not want, it is no longer I who do it, but sin that dwells within me.  We are not free when we are controlled by the old sinful nature.

Satan's goal is to enslave us through behavior that is not in keeping with God's will for our lives.  Rom 7:14 For we know that the law is spiritual, but I am of the flesh, sold under sin.
　
However, Jesus paid the price!  1 Corinthians 6:20 for you were bought with a price. So glorify God in your body.  Jesus "purchased" us from the slave market of sin with His blood when He died on the cross.  Our job is to glorify God in our body.

When we accept Christ, He gives us the Holy Spirit through whose power we are able to overcome the sinful flesh.  What we could not do naturally, we are now able to do "supernaturally."
Act 1:8 But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth."

Act 2:33 Being therefore exalted at the right hand of God, and having received from the Father the promise of the Holy Spirit, he has poured out this that you yourselves are seeing and hearing.

Romans 8:15 For you did not receive the spirit of slavery to fall back into fear, but you have received the Spirit of adoption as sons, by whom we cry, "Abba! Father!"

Romans 7:22-25  For I delight in the law of God, in my inner being, but I see in my members another law waging war against the law of my mind and making me captive to the law of sin that dwells in my members.  Wretched man that I am! Who will deliver me from this body of death?  Thanks be to God through Jesus Christ our Lord! So then, I myself serve the law of God with my mind, but with my flesh I serve the law of sin.Jesus is your "Deliverer."  Pray and ask God to give you the strength and power through Christ to deliver you from the besetting sins in your life.

You Can Do That!

I can do all things through Him who strengthens me.

Philippians 4:13



Cure For Insomnia

Ever have trouble getting to sleep?  Have you ever felt that God doesn’t care?  Have you ever felt alone?  Does God feel distant?

It is comforting to know that God is always looking out after us.  We are never, for one moment, outside of His watchful eye.  Psalm 121:4 Behold, he who keeps Israel will neither slumber nor sleep.  Psalm 127:2 It is in vain that you rise up early and go late to rest, eating the bread of anxious toil; for he gives to his beloved sleep.

God is always on the job protecting and caring for us.  He is the one Who gives us comfort.  We can rest knowing that we are in His presence.  Exodus 33:14 And he said, "My presence will go with you, and will give you rest."  Matthew 11:28 Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.

The other evening, I found myself tossing and turning and unable to sleep.  Whenever that happens, I find that God has something he wants me to know.  I keep my Bible at my bedside for just such occasions.  Reading His Word and focusing my heart and mind on His Word refreshes and relaxes my soul.  It is easy to rest knowing that I am under His watchful eye.

The world strives for peace, but without Christ there will be no lasting peace.  Peace will never be found in the things of this world.  Therefore, be not troubled or afraid.  John 14:27 Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you.  Not as the world gives do I give to you.  Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid.

It is so restful going to bed at night knowing that I am safe and secure in the loving hands of my heavenly Father.

Proverbs 3:24 If you lie down, you will not be afraid; when you lie down, your sleep will be sweet.

The Importance of Laughter

Heh! Heh! Heh!

  

There is an occasion for everything and a time for every activity under heaven … a time to weep a time to laugh; a time to mourn and a time to dance

Ecclesiastes 3:1, 4.

Laughter is medicine for the soul, but sometimes, amid the stresses of the day, we forget to take our medicine.  Instead of viewing our world with a mixture of optimism and humor, we allow worries and distractions to rob us of the joy that God intends for our lives.

So the next time you find yourself dwelling upon the negatives of life, refocus your attention to positive things.  The next time you find yourself falling prey to the blight of pessimism, stop yourself and turn your thoughts around.  If you see your glass half empty, rest assured that your spiritual vision is impaired.  With God, your glass is never half-empty.  With God as your protector and Christ as your savior, your glass is always filled to the brim.

Today, as you go about your daily activities, approach life with a smile on your face and open your heart to those around you.  Laugh every chance you get.  After all, God created laughter and indeed, Father knows best.  So laugh! 

A joyful heart makes a cheerful face.

Proverbs 15:13

I have spoken these things to you so that My joy may be in you and your joy may be made complete.  

John 15:11

C. S. Lewis wrote that "A little comic relief in a discussion does no harm, however serious the topic maybe.  In my own experience the funniest things have occurred in the gravest and most sincere conversations."

If you want people to feel comfortable around you, to enjoy being with you, then learn to laugh at yourself and find humor in life’s little mishaps. 

Dennis Swanburge

A timely tip

Get everybody laughing!  If family life is the cake, then laughter is the icing.  And everybody in your clan deserves a slice with lots of icing. 

"Show me a person who doesn't like to laugh and I'll show you a person with a toe tag."

Julia Roberts

"Always laugh when you can, it is cheap medicine.” 

George Gordon Byron

"The person who knows how to laugh at himself will never cease to be amused."

Shirley McClain

"You have as much laughter as you have faith.” 

Martin Luther

Thoughts taken from Promises & Prayers by Family Christian Stores

God's Protection

1 Peter 1:13-16  Therefore, preparing your minds for action, and being sober-minded, set your hope fully on the grace that will be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ.  As obedient children, do not be conformed to the passions of your former ignorance, but as He who called you is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct, since it is written, "You shall be holy, for I am holy."

We live in a world filled with countless opportunities to disobey God.  Christians are to live righteously before others.  We must turn our thoughts away from the evils of this world and instead towards God.

Talking about God is easy.  However, living by his commandments is much harder.  Unless we are willing to abide by God’s laws, all our righteous proclamations ring hollow.

How can we best proclaim our love for the Lord?  We must seek God’s council and trust the council He gives.  When we invite God into our hearts and live according to His council, we’re blessed every day.

Trials and sufferings teach us to obey the Lord by faith.  We soon learn that obedience pays off in joyful ways.  We can’t step in front of God and not get into trouble. When he says to go three steps, don’t go four.

When we suffer loss, that does not mean that we are being disobedient to God. In fact, it might mean that we are right in the center of his will. The path of obedience is often marked by times of suffering and loss.

John 16:33  --  I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.

1 John 5:18 -- We know that everyone who has been born of God does not keep on sinning, but he who was born of God protects him, and the evil one does not touch him. 

Caring For the Weak

2 Samual 12:2-3  The rich man had exceeding many flocks and herds; but the poor man had nothing, save one little ewe lamb, which he had bought and nourished up: and it grew up together with him, and with his children; it did eat of his own morsel, and drank of his own cup, and lay in his bosom, and was unto him as a daughter.

When I read this text I was moved that the poor man cared for the little ewe lamb and nothing is said of the rich man except that he had many flocks and herds.

If being poor makes me more appreciative of what I have then I’d rather be poor than rich.  I’d rather be known as a sensitive, caring individual than being rich and heartless.

It’s not true that all wealthy individuals are uncaring, but wealth can create the tendency to care more for one’s own welfare than the welfare of others.

First, we see that the poor man bought the little lamb.  Being poor he could probably ill afford such a purchase.  The purchase meant a great deal to him.  Jesus was so poor, he had no place to lay His head, yet He purchased me and you by sacrificing Himself on the cross of Calvary.  He gave everything He had to offer.

The man’s lamb was considered a family member.  You and I are members of “The Family of God” and as we grow in the Lord, we grow together – sharing with one another in all that the Lord provides for us.

The little lamb had its own food, drank from the cup of its owner, rested in its owner’s bosom and was considered as a daughter of her owner.

The Lord feeds us, refreshes us with the “water of the word,” provides us with a warm place of safety and rest, and treats us as a family member.

How much more could we ask?

Be Joyful Today

Psa 30:5  For his anger is but for a moment; His favor is for a life-time: Weeping may tarry for the night, But joy comes in the morning. 

I am thankful that God's anger is but for a moment.  It would be unbearable knowing that God is angry with me all the time.  I am equally great-full that His favor is for a life-time. 

What kind of a person am I when I wake up in the morning?  How discouraging it is to face someone moaning and crying in the morning.  It is far better to meet someone with a smile on their face than tears in their eyes and gloom in their heart.  Don't bemoan what you don't have -- rejoice in what you do have.

Lord, don't let me be a purveyor of doom and gloom.  Let me bring joy and happiness to those who cross my path.

Luk_6:23  Rejoice in that day, and leap for joy for behold, your reward is great in heaven; for in the same manner did their fathers unto the prophets.

Keeping my thoughts on the great reward that awaits me will influence my daily walk.

Smile...there is a great reward awaiting you!

Hope

Hope is more than just a catch phrase such as, "Well, I hope so."

Hope is a settled state of mind that guides our daily life and provides a confident assurance in something or someone.

In Christ, our hope is in the assurance that I am heaven bound and that my Savior is watching over me every day.  I have a heavenly outlook that is present with me everyday.

Heavenly

Outlook

Present

Everyday

No matter what you are experiencing, there’s always HOPE when Christ is your Lord and Savior.

HEAVENLY - Hope begins when our heart is focused toward heaven.

• Deuteronomy 4:19 - and lest you lift up your eyes unto heaven, and when you see the sun and the moon and the stars, even all the host of heaven, thou be drawn away and worship them, and serve them, which Jehovah thy God hath allotted unto all the peoples under the whole heaven.
• John 17:1 - These things spoke Jesus; and lifting up his eyes to heaven, he said, Father, the hour is come; glorify thy Son, that the son may glorify thee:

OUTLOOK - Our outlook on life brings cheerfulness and an endless banquet of nourishment, and good health.  My outlook comes from my up-look.

• Proverbs 15:13 - A glad heart makes a cheerful countenance; But by sorrow of heart the spirit is broken. 
• Proverbs 15:15 - All the days of the afflicted are evil; But he that is of a cheerful heart hath a continual feast.
• Proverbs 17:22 - A cheerful heart is a good medicine; But a broken spirit dries up the bones. 

PRESENT - Don’t wait until tomorrow to enjoy your relationship with your Savior. 

• 2 Corinthians 6:2 - (for he says, At an acceptable time I hearkened unto thee, And in a day of salvation did I succor thee: behold, now is the acceptable time; behold, now is the day of salvation):
• Romans 15:13 - Now the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that ye may abound in hope, in the power of the Holy Spirit.
• 1 Peter 1:8 - whom not having seen ye love; on whom, though now ye see him not, yet believing, ye rejoice greatly with joy unspeakable and full of glory:
• Judges 1:24 - Now unto him that is able to guard you from stumbling, and to set you before the presence of his glory without blemish in exceeding joy, 

EVERYDAY - Walking with the Lord is not a part-time experience; it is something we experience daily. 

• Deuteronomy 6:24 - And Jehovah commanded us to do all these statutes, to fear Jehovah our God, for our good always, that he might preserve us alive, as at this day.
• Proverbs 8:30 - Then I was by him, as a master workman; And I was daily his delight, Rejoicing always before him, 

• Psalm 78:14 - In the day-time also he led them with a cloud, And all the night with a light of fire.

The Power of Encouragement

Anxiety in a man’s heart weighs it down, but a good word cheers it up.

Proverbs 12:25

Life as a team sport and all of us need occasional pats on the back from teammates. As Christians, we are called upon to spread the good news of Christ and we’re also called the spread a message of encouragement and hope to the world.

In the book of a Ephesians, Paul writes, “Do not let 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” (4:29).  Paul reminds us that when we choose our words carefully, we can have a powerful impact on those around us

Many people with whom we come in contact every day are in desperate need of a smile or an encouraging word.  The world can be a difficult place, and countless friends and family members may be troubled by the challenges of everyday life.  Since we don’t always know who needs our help, the best strategy is to encourage all the people who cross our path.

Be an encouragement to everyone you meet -- never has the need been greater.

But encourage each other daily, while it is still called today, so that none of you is hardened by sin’s deception.

Hebrews 3:13

And let us be concerned about one another in order to promote love and good works.

Hebrews 10:24

Be Hopeful

For I know the thoughts that I think toward you says the lord,

thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope. 

Then you will call upon me and go and pray to Me, and I will listen to you.

Jeremiah 29:11-12

As you read the newspaper, watch the evening news, and think about the things that are going on in the world, it’s possible to lose hope.  But God has the answer to despair -- spending time with Him.

Have you ever felt your hope in the future slipping away?  If so, here is what to do:  

• study God’s word, 
• seek God’s will, 
• spend prayerful hours with Him. 

When you do, you’ll discover the hope that is the possession of all who place their trust in Him.

This world can be a place of trials and tribulations, but as believers in Christ, we are secure.

We never need to lose hope because God has promised us love, joy, peace, and eternal life. 

Face each day with hope in your heart and trust in your God.  Teach your family and friends to do likewise. After all, God has promised that we who are in Christ are his throughout all eternity, and he keeps his promises--Always.

Rejoice in hope; be patient in affliction; be persistent in prayer.

Romans 12:12

Using Your Talents

God knew what he was doing when he gave us a special set of talents and opportunities.  Now, God wants us to use those talents for Him.  So here’s the big question…are we going to use those talents for Him or not?

We are instructed to be faithful stewards of the gifts that He bestows upon us.  However, we live in a world that encourages us to do the opposite.

Our society that is filled with countless opportunities to squander our time, our resources, and our talents. We must be watchful for distractions and temptations that might be lead us astray.

If we're sincerely interested in building a career, let us build it on the talents that God, in His is divine wisdom, has given us.  It is a waste to build a career around talents we wish He had given us.

God has blessed us with unique opportunities to serve him and He has given us everything we need to do so. 

Accept God's challenge.  Nourish it, make it grow, and share it with those around us.  The best way to say “Thank You” for God’s gifts is to use them.

1 Corinthians 7:7 - Each one has his own gift from God, one in this manner and another in that.