Hosea 2:20-21 NLT
I will be faithful to you and make you mine, and you will finally know me as LORD. “In that day,” says the LORD, “I will answer the pleading of the sky for clouds, which will pour down water on the earth in answer to its cries for rain.
Words of Encouragement...
Sometimes we go through long, dry periods in our lives waiting for the clouds to come and bring forth life giving rain. For some of us that waiting may be our entire lives. But the wonderful thing is that if we keep pursuing God and seeking His presence in our lives He will be faithful to us and hold us as His own. We will truly know Him and in that relationship the rain will come and we will be nourished and refreshed. It is the knowing Him as LORD, on His terms and not on ours, that is the difficult part.
Wednesday, November 30, 2011
Tuesday, November 29, 2011
November 29, 2011
Ecclesiastes 3:1-8, 11 NIV
There is a time for everything, a season for every activity under heaven. A time to be born and a time to die. A time to plant and a time to harvest. A time to kill and a time to heal. A time to tear down and a time to rebuild. A time to cry and a time to laugh. A time to grieve and a time to dance. A time to scatter stones and a time to gather stones. A time to embrace and a time to turn away. A time to search and a time to lose. A time to keep and a time to throw away. A time to tear and a time to mend. A time to be quiet and a time to speak up. A time to love and a time to hate. A time for war and a time for peace.
God has made everything beautiful for its own time.
Words of Encouragement...
I have posted this one before, but is is such a great reminder of the importance of events in our lives. We all have those times when we feel abandoned or attacked or just plain out of sorts. Life has its ups and its downs. What is important is how we view the entire journey and recognize that God is always there for us and that it is He who puts the people in our lives that will always stand by our side.
There is a time for everything, a season for every activity under heaven. A time to be born and a time to die. A time to plant and a time to harvest. A time to kill and a time to heal. A time to tear down and a time to rebuild. A time to cry and a time to laugh. A time to grieve and a time to dance. A time to scatter stones and a time to gather stones. A time to embrace and a time to turn away. A time to search and a time to lose. A time to keep and a time to throw away. A time to tear and a time to mend. A time to be quiet and a time to speak up. A time to love and a time to hate. A time for war and a time for peace.
God has made everything beautiful for its own time.
Words of Encouragement...
I have posted this one before, but is is such a great reminder of the importance of events in our lives. We all have those times when we feel abandoned or attacked or just plain out of sorts. Life has its ups and its downs. What is important is how we view the entire journey and recognize that God is always there for us and that it is He who puts the people in our lives that will always stand by our side.
Monday, November 28, 2011
November 28, 2011
Psalm 9:1-2 NASB
I will give thanks to the LORD with all my heart; I will tell of all Thy wonders. I will be glad and exult in Thee; I will sing praise to Thy name, O Most High.
Word of Encouragement...
When in the midst of those times that it seems like your hopes are gone...give thanks to the LORD. When life seems to be throwing rotten tomatoes at you...give thanks to the LORD. In all that we do we are to give thanks to the LORD, for He is great, He is wonderful, He will see us through those dark and lonely time. Give thanks to the LORD will all of your heart.
I will give thanks to the LORD with all my heart; I will tell of all Thy wonders. I will be glad and exult in Thee; I will sing praise to Thy name, O Most High.
Word of Encouragement...
When in the midst of those times that it seems like your hopes are gone...give thanks to the LORD. When life seems to be throwing rotten tomatoes at you...give thanks to the LORD. In all that we do we are to give thanks to the LORD, for He is great, He is wonderful, He will see us through those dark and lonely time. Give thanks to the LORD will all of your heart.
Tuesday, November 22, 2011
November 22, 2011
Psalm 100 NASB <<A Psalm for Thanksgiving>>
Shout joyfully to the LORD, all the earth. Serve the LORD with gladness; Come before Him with joyful singing. Know that the LORD Himself is God; It is He who has made us, and not we ourselves; We are His people and the sheep of His pasture. Enter His gates with thanksgiving And His courts with praise. Give thanks to Him, bless His name. For the LORD is good; His lovingkindness is everlasting And His faithfulness to all generations.
Words of Encouragement...
This week of Thanksgiving seemed like a great time to post this Psalm. Happy Thanks Giving!!!
Shout joyfully to the LORD, all the earth. Serve the LORD with gladness; Come before Him with joyful singing. Know that the LORD Himself is God; It is He who has made us, and not we ourselves; We are His people and the sheep of His pasture. Enter His gates with thanksgiving And His courts with praise. Give thanks to Him, bless His name. For the LORD is good; His lovingkindness is everlasting And His faithfulness to all generations.
Words of Encouragement...
This week of Thanksgiving seemed like a great time to post this Psalm. Happy Thanks Giving!!!
Monday, November 21, 2011
November 21, 2011
Philippians 3:12-14 NASB
Not that I have already obtained it or have already become perfect, but I press on so that I may lay hold of that for which also I was laid hold of by Christ Jesus. Brethren, I do not regard myself as having laid hold of it yet; but one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and reaching forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.
Personal Challenge...
We often hear life described as a journey. Our Christian life is definitely a journey, and often one that can be filled with difficulty and challenges. It is those difficulties and challenges that better equip us for the work that our Lord has in store for us to do. No matter how far along we are in this journey we still have much further to go. And sometimes we must leave behind those things that might hold us back or distract us from our calling.
It is difficult to do this and yet it is so necessary. For me, sometimes the most challenging part of leaving these things behind is how much they try to pull me back. Sometimes its things, sometimes its people, sometimes its the institutions or organizations that we have left behind. Sometimes their need to keep us there is so strong to them that they will even do us harm to keep us where they are.
Our blessing, our prize, is at the end of the journey, but our Lord loves us so much that He will walk beside us, guide us, meet our needs along the way, blessing us as long as we stay true to Him and His calling.
Not that I have already obtained it or have already become perfect, but I press on so that I may lay hold of that for which also I was laid hold of by Christ Jesus. Brethren, I do not regard myself as having laid hold of it yet; but one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and reaching forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.
Personal Challenge...
We often hear life described as a journey. Our Christian life is definitely a journey, and often one that can be filled with difficulty and challenges. It is those difficulties and challenges that better equip us for the work that our Lord has in store for us to do. No matter how far along we are in this journey we still have much further to go. And sometimes we must leave behind those things that might hold us back or distract us from our calling.
It is difficult to do this and yet it is so necessary. For me, sometimes the most challenging part of leaving these things behind is how much they try to pull me back. Sometimes its things, sometimes its people, sometimes its the institutions or organizations that we have left behind. Sometimes their need to keep us there is so strong to them that they will even do us harm to keep us where they are.
Our blessing, our prize, is at the end of the journey, but our Lord loves us so much that He will walk beside us, guide us, meet our needs along the way, blessing us as long as we stay true to Him and His calling.
Friday, November 18, 2011
November 18, 2011
Acts 17:28 NIV
‘For in him we live and move and have our being.’ As some of your own poets have said, ‘We are his offspring.’
Personal Challenge...
If we are truly a follower of Christ then He will permeate our entire life. It amazes me how easy it has become for us who claim to be Christians to compartmentalize our lives. We live one way on Sunday and another way at work, or at home, or in private. If we are a child of God then all of our life, all of our being is in Him.
This does take work when we live in a world that is also compartmentalized. I must constantly weigh what I think and do against His values, His plans, His truth and then choose to be obedient to Him. I am often sobered when at the end of the day I look back and ask the question, "Did people see Jesus today in my life?"
‘For in him we live and move and have our being.’ As some of your own poets have said, ‘We are his offspring.’
Personal Challenge...
If we are truly a follower of Christ then He will permeate our entire life. It amazes me how easy it has become for us who claim to be Christians to compartmentalize our lives. We live one way on Sunday and another way at work, or at home, or in private. If we are a child of God then all of our life, all of our being is in Him.
This does take work when we live in a world that is also compartmentalized. I must constantly weigh what I think and do against His values, His plans, His truth and then choose to be obedient to Him. I am often sobered when at the end of the day I look back and ask the question, "Did people see Jesus today in my life?"
Thursday, November 17, 2011
November 17, 2011
John 15:9-11 NASB
Just as the Father has loved Me, I have also loved you; abide in My love. If you keep My commandments, you will abide in My love; just as I have kept My Father’s commandments and abide in His love. These things I have spoken to you so that My joy may be in you, and that your joy may be made full.
Encouraging Words...
If we are followers of Christ then we are not on this journey through life alone. If we keep His commandments: love the Lord our God with all of our heart, soul, mind and strength, and love our neighbor as ourselves, then we will be abiding in His love. We will have lives that are filled with His joy and presence.
Just as the Father has loved Me, I have also loved you; abide in My love. If you keep My commandments, you will abide in My love; just as I have kept My Father’s commandments and abide in His love. These things I have spoken to you so that My joy may be in you, and that your joy may be made full.
Encouraging Words...
If we are followers of Christ then we are not on this journey through life alone. If we keep His commandments: love the Lord our God with all of our heart, soul, mind and strength, and love our neighbor as ourselves, then we will be abiding in His love. We will have lives that are filled with His joy and presence.
Wednesday, November 16, 2011
November 16, 2011
Proverbs 14:30 NASB
A tranquil heart is life to the body, But passion is rottenness to the bones.
Personal Challenge...
It is so much more valuable to us, to our health, to our well-being, to our life, to be at peace with what we have and where we are in our lives. This is having a tranquil heart. It does not mean that we do not keep trying to improve our lives or to do better, but it does mean that we do not desire these things to the point that they become our gods.
A tranquil heart is life to the body, But passion is rottenness to the bones.
Personal Challenge...
It is so much more valuable to us, to our health, to our well-being, to our life, to be at peace with what we have and where we are in our lives. This is having a tranquil heart. It does not mean that we do not keep trying to improve our lives or to do better, but it does mean that we do not desire these things to the point that they become our gods.
Tuesday, November 15, 2011
November 15, 2011
Psalm 5:11-12 NASB
But let all who take refuge in You be glad, Let them ever sing for joy; And may You shelter them, That those who love Your name may exult in You. For it is You who blesses the righteous man, O LORD, You surround him with favor as with a shield.
Encouraging Words...
If we are a child of God then we are never alone. We can take refuge in His mighty and loving arms and be glad. We can sing for joy and be sheltered. We can exult Him. He is the one who blesses us and surrounds us with His favor. These are His promises to His children...claim them and live within them.
But let all who take refuge in You be glad, Let them ever sing for joy; And may You shelter them, That those who love Your name may exult in You. For it is You who blesses the righteous man, O LORD, You surround him with favor as with a shield.
Encouraging Words...
If we are a child of God then we are never alone. We can take refuge in His mighty and loving arms and be glad. We can sing for joy and be sheltered. We can exult Him. He is the one who blesses us and surrounds us with His favor. These are His promises to His children...claim them and live within them.
Monday, November 14, 2011
November 14, 2011
Esther 4:13-16 NASB
Then Mordecai told them to reply to Esther, “Do not imagine that you in the king’s palace can escape any more than all the Jews. “For if you remain silent at this time, relief and deliverance will arise for the Jews from another place and you and your father’s house will perish. And who knows whether you have not attained royalty for such a time as this?” Then Esther told them to reply to Mordecai, “Go, assemble all the Jews who are found in Susa, and fast for me; do not eat or drink for three days, night or day. I and my maidens also will fast in the same way. And thus I will go in to the king, which is not according to the law; and if I perish, I perish.”
Personal Challenge...
As I have been reading through the Bible I came across this passage and it really jumped out at me. Here Esther is in the perfect place in the palace of the king where she can save her people from an impending disaster. Upon expressing her concern that if she does what she is being asked the law says that she could be put to death.
Mordecai's answer is what hit me so hard. He informs Esther that maybe God put her where she was for this very purpose, but that it was her choice whether or not she acted as needed. He also told her that if she did not do this then God would certainly raise up someone else to do it in her stead.
Esther's response also struck me...she chose to step out in faith and trust in God, and if the result was her death, then that was okay. She also stepped out in this act of faith fasting an praying for God's protection, as well as having everyone around her fast and pray as well.
Then Mordecai told them to reply to Esther, “Do not imagine that you in the king’s palace can escape any more than all the Jews. “For if you remain silent at this time, relief and deliverance will arise for the Jews from another place and you and your father’s house will perish. And who knows whether you have not attained royalty for such a time as this?” Then Esther told them to reply to Mordecai, “Go, assemble all the Jews who are found in Susa, and fast for me; do not eat or drink for three days, night or day. I and my maidens also will fast in the same way. And thus I will go in to the king, which is not according to the law; and if I perish, I perish.”
Personal Challenge...
As I have been reading through the Bible I came across this passage and it really jumped out at me. Here Esther is in the perfect place in the palace of the king where she can save her people from an impending disaster. Upon expressing her concern that if she does what she is being asked the law says that she could be put to death.
Mordecai's answer is what hit me so hard. He informs Esther that maybe God put her where she was for this very purpose, but that it was her choice whether or not she acted as needed. He also told her that if she did not do this then God would certainly raise up someone else to do it in her stead.
Esther's response also struck me...she chose to step out in faith and trust in God, and if the result was her death, then that was okay. She also stepped out in this act of faith fasting an praying for God's protection, as well as having everyone around her fast and pray as well.
Friday, November 11, 2011
November 11, 2011
1 Peter 3:8-12 NASB
To sum up, all of you be harmonious, sympathetic, brotherly, kindhearted, and humble in spirit; not returning evil for evil or insult for insult, but giving a blessing instead; for you were called for the very purpose that you might inherit a blessing. For, “LET HIM WHO MEANS TO LOVE LIFE AND SEE GOOD DAYS REFRAIN HIS TONGUE FROM EVIL AND HIS LIPS FROM SPEAKING GUILE. AND LET HIM TURN AWAY FROM EVIL AND DO GOOD; LET HIM SEEK PEACE AND PURSUE IT. FOR THE EYES OF THE LORD ARE UPON THE RIGHTEOUS, AND HIS EARS ATTEND TO THEIR PRAYER, BUT THE FACE OF THE LORD IS AGAINST THOSE WHO DO EVIL.”
Personal Challenge...
Whoever said that living the life of a Christian was easy was grossly mistaken. It is not just suggested that we live a certain way, but it is commanded. And what are some of the ways that we are commanded to live? Harmonious, sympathetic, brotherly, kindhearted, and humble in spirit; not returning evil for evil or insult for insult, but giving a blessing instead. We are to refrain our tongue from evil and our lips from guile, to turn away from evil and do good. We are to seek peace and pursue it. Only though the work of Jesus Christ and the power of the Holy Spirit can we ever hope to achieve this.
To sum up, all of you be harmonious, sympathetic, brotherly, kindhearted, and humble in spirit; not returning evil for evil or insult for insult, but giving a blessing instead; for you were called for the very purpose that you might inherit a blessing. For, “LET HIM WHO MEANS TO LOVE LIFE AND SEE GOOD DAYS REFRAIN HIS TONGUE FROM EVIL AND HIS LIPS FROM SPEAKING GUILE. AND LET HIM TURN AWAY FROM EVIL AND DO GOOD; LET HIM SEEK PEACE AND PURSUE IT. FOR THE EYES OF THE LORD ARE UPON THE RIGHTEOUS, AND HIS EARS ATTEND TO THEIR PRAYER, BUT THE FACE OF THE LORD IS AGAINST THOSE WHO DO EVIL.”
Personal Challenge...
Whoever said that living the life of a Christian was easy was grossly mistaken. It is not just suggested that we live a certain way, but it is commanded. And what are some of the ways that we are commanded to live? Harmonious, sympathetic, brotherly, kindhearted, and humble in spirit; not returning evil for evil or insult for insult, but giving a blessing instead. We are to refrain our tongue from evil and our lips from guile, to turn away from evil and do good. We are to seek peace and pursue it. Only though the work of Jesus Christ and the power of the Holy Spirit can we ever hope to achieve this.
Thursday, November 10, 2011
November 10, 2011
1 Thessalonians 2:3-4 NASB
For our exhortation does not come from error or impurity or by way of deceit; but just as we have been approved by God to be entrusted with the gospel, so we speak, not as pleasing men, but God who examines our hearts.
Personal Challenge...
God expects us to represent Him and His gospel without error, impurity, or deceit. This can be a difficult and sobering responsibility...especially when the world is so full of teachings such as the gospel according to Fox, or the gospel according to CNN, or the gospel according to my political party, or the gospel according to my own needs and desires, or the gospel according to ________ (fill in the blank). It is not my gospel, or the gospel of men, that we are called to share...it is His gospel.
For our exhortation does not come from error or impurity or by way of deceit; but just as we have been approved by God to be entrusted with the gospel, so we speak, not as pleasing men, but God who examines our hearts.
Personal Challenge...
God expects us to represent Him and His gospel without error, impurity, or deceit. This can be a difficult and sobering responsibility...especially when the world is so full of teachings such as the gospel according to Fox, or the gospel according to CNN, or the gospel according to my political party, or the gospel according to my own needs and desires, or the gospel according to ________ (fill in the blank). It is not my gospel, or the gospel of men, that we are called to share...it is His gospel.
Wednesday, November 9, 2011
November 9, 2011
Colossians 3:23-24 NASB
Whatever you do, do your work heartily, as for the Lord rather than for men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the reward of the inheritance. It is the Lord Christ whom you serve.
Command with a Promise...
If we do all that we do, everything in life, heartily and as if we are doing it for the Lord (which we are) then we will receive His reward that He has in store for us. That reward may not measure up to worldly standards, but we are not to be striving after worldly perfection or rewards but spiritual perfection and rewards.
Whatever you do, do your work heartily, as for the Lord rather than for men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the reward of the inheritance. It is the Lord Christ whom you serve.
Command with a Promise...
If we do all that we do, everything in life, heartily and as if we are doing it for the Lord (which we are) then we will receive His reward that He has in store for us. That reward may not measure up to worldly standards, but we are not to be striving after worldly perfection or rewards but spiritual perfection and rewards.
Tuesday, November 8, 2011
November 8, 2011
Mark 9:32-35 NASB
But they did not understand this statement, and they were afraid to ask Him. And they came to Capernaum; and when He was in the house, He began to question them, “What were you discussing on the way?” But they kept silent, for on the way they had discussed with one another which of them was the greatest. And sitting down, He called the twelve and *said to them, “If anyone wants to be first, he shall be last of all, and servant of all.”
Personal Challenge...
Servant? Who wants to be a servant? We are told all of our lives that we should strive to be in charge, to be in front, to be the leader and not the follower. But the greatest leader of all time, Jesus, chose the path of being a servant leader. He set the pattern for us to serve those in our lives and to put them first. This is so contrary to what the world (often including the the church) teaches and yet so rewarding when done with the intent to be more like Him.
But they did not understand this statement, and they were afraid to ask Him. And they came to Capernaum; and when He was in the house, He began to question them, “What were you discussing on the way?” But they kept silent, for on the way they had discussed with one another which of them was the greatest. And sitting down, He called the twelve and *said to them, “If anyone wants to be first, he shall be last of all, and servant of all.”
Personal Challenge...
Servant? Who wants to be a servant? We are told all of our lives that we should strive to be in charge, to be in front, to be the leader and not the follower. But the greatest leader of all time, Jesus, chose the path of being a servant leader. He set the pattern for us to serve those in our lives and to put them first. This is so contrary to what the world (often including the the church) teaches and yet so rewarding when done with the intent to be more like Him.
Monday, November 7, 2011
November 7, 2011
Psalm 3:3-4 NASB
But You, O LORD, are a shield about me, My glory, and the One who lifts my head. I was crying to the LORD with my voice, And He answered me from His holy mountain.
Words of Encouragement...
It is so encouraging to know that we serve a God that is not some dead idol made out of wood or stone or precious metal, but a Living God, a caring God, the Creator of all. He hears our voices and He is present in our lives...especially when we follow and obey Him.
But You, O LORD, are a shield about me, My glory, and the One who lifts my head. I was crying to the LORD with my voice, And He answered me from His holy mountain.
Words of Encouragement...
It is so encouraging to know that we serve a God that is not some dead idol made out of wood or stone or precious metal, but a Living God, a caring God, the Creator of all. He hears our voices and He is present in our lives...especially when we follow and obey Him.
Friday, November 4, 2011
November 4, 2011
2 Kings 6:16 NASB
So he (Elisha) answered, "Do not fear, for those who are with us are more than those who are with them."
Words of Encouragement...
Have you ever had one of those days where it feels like you are standing all alone in the battle of life facing humongous odds against you? Well Elisha and his servant did. His servant was ready to run in fear until Elisha had his eyes opened up so that he could see the heavenly host that had been gathered together to take their side. Our battle is not against flesh and blood, but against the principalities of this world. We are not alone, we just need our eyes opened to see Who is really on our side...as long as we are on His.
So he (Elisha) answered, "Do not fear, for those who are with us are more than those who are with them."
Words of Encouragement...
Have you ever had one of those days where it feels like you are standing all alone in the battle of life facing humongous odds against you? Well Elisha and his servant did. His servant was ready to run in fear until Elisha had his eyes opened up so that he could see the heavenly host that had been gathered together to take their side. Our battle is not against flesh and blood, but against the principalities of this world. We are not alone, we just need our eyes opened to see Who is really on our side...as long as we are on His.
Thursday, November 3, 2011
November 3, 2011
1 John 1:5-7 NASB
This is the message we have heard from Him and announce to you, that God is Light, and in Him there is no darkness at all. If we say that we have fellowship with Him and yet walk in the darkness, we lie and do not practice the truth; but if we walk in the Light as He Himself is in the Light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus His Son cleanses us from all sin.
Personal Challenge...
We often think of walking in darkness as walking in sin... purposely choosing to live a life that we know that would be dishonoring to God. However, this also means doing those little things that we would not be considered sin by the measurement of the culture around us.
One that I can think of is in the language that we use about, or to, those around us. Do I build people up or tear them down? Do I offer grace in my words, even to those that I do not like or agree with, or do I offer criticism and cynicism? Do I speak with the love of Jesus or the malice of Jerry Seinfield? Do I show and speak love to those around me (physically and virtually in the Internet world) or do I tear them down?
This is the message we have heard from Him and announce to you, that God is Light, and in Him there is no darkness at all. If we say that we have fellowship with Him and yet walk in the darkness, we lie and do not practice the truth; but if we walk in the Light as He Himself is in the Light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus His Son cleanses us from all sin.
Personal Challenge...
We often think of walking in darkness as walking in sin... purposely choosing to live a life that we know that would be dishonoring to God. However, this also means doing those little things that we would not be considered sin by the measurement of the culture around us.
One that I can think of is in the language that we use about, or to, those around us. Do I build people up or tear them down? Do I offer grace in my words, even to those that I do not like or agree with, or do I offer criticism and cynicism? Do I speak with the love of Jesus or the malice of Jerry Seinfield? Do I show and speak love to those around me (physically and virtually in the Internet world) or do I tear them down?
Wednesday, November 2, 2011
November 2, 2011
Hebrews 4:14-16 NASB
Therefore, since we have a great high priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our confession. For we do not have a high priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but One who has been tempted in all things as we are, yet without sin. Therefore let us draw near with confidence to the throne of grace, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.
Words of Encouragement...
It amazes me that when you look at all the other religions and "non-religions" around the world you find that the god that is being pursued, or the end that is desired, is so far from human reach. It is never possible to know if you will "make it".
However, for true Christianity we are reminded that since we are inadequate and incapable to reach God on our own, God came to us through His Son Jesus Christ. Jesus lived a life as a man, like all of us. He was tempted, but never gave in to the temptation. He suffered, but always remained true to His Father. He laughed and cried and played with children. He knows what it is to be human...up close and personal. And because of Him and His sacrifice we who believe in Him have a means by which we can reach God. Now that is encouraging!
Therefore, since we have a great high priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our confession. For we do not have a high priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but One who has been tempted in all things as we are, yet without sin. Therefore let us draw near with confidence to the throne of grace, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.
Words of Encouragement...
It amazes me that when you look at all the other religions and "non-religions" around the world you find that the god that is being pursued, or the end that is desired, is so far from human reach. It is never possible to know if you will "make it".
However, for true Christianity we are reminded that since we are inadequate and incapable to reach God on our own, God came to us through His Son Jesus Christ. Jesus lived a life as a man, like all of us. He was tempted, but never gave in to the temptation. He suffered, but always remained true to His Father. He laughed and cried and played with children. He knows what it is to be human...up close and personal. And because of Him and His sacrifice we who believe in Him have a means by which we can reach God. Now that is encouraging!
Tuesday, November 1, 2011
November 1, 2011
Ephesians 3:14-19
For this reason I bow my knees before the Father, from whom every family in heaven and on earth derives its name, that He would grant you, according to the riches of His glory, to be strengthened with power through His Spirit in the inner man, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith; and that you, being rooted and grounded in love, may be able to comprehend with all the saints what is the breadth and length and height and depth, and to know the love of Christ which surpasses knowledge, that you may be filled up to all the fullness of God.
Words of Encouragement...
How much does God love His children? He loves us so much that it is not possible to define it in our meager, finite human terms. If I am loved that much, then how can I not show love to those whom God has placed in my life?
For this reason I bow my knees before the Father, from whom every family in heaven and on earth derives its name, that He would grant you, according to the riches of His glory, to be strengthened with power through His Spirit in the inner man, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith; and that you, being rooted and grounded in love, may be able to comprehend with all the saints what is the breadth and length and height and depth, and to know the love of Christ which surpasses knowledge, that you may be filled up to all the fullness of God.
Words of Encouragement...
How much does God love His children? He loves us so much that it is not possible to define it in our meager, finite human terms. If I am loved that much, then how can I not show love to those whom God has placed in my life?
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