Category: Encouragement

What

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Ephesians 1 is loaded with expressions of God’s generosity.  I like verse 18 – as we follow what Ephesians 1 has been talking about we will have our “hearts enlightened”.  The “what” is the hope and riches that God promises.  I think sometimes we have the wrong kind of hope and the wrong kind of riches in mind.  God is more interested in the eternal and we end up getting stuck in the temporal.  My desire is to continue studying Scripture to learn about the “whats” in Ephesians 1:18. At least as much as is possible in this life.  I expect to learn by leaps and bounds in the next life.

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You for the many blessings I can learn about from Your Word.  Please guide me as I learn the “what” You tell us about in this verse.  Help me to share this with others.

I pray this in Jesus’ name.

God is so good.

Chosen for Adoption

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The first blessing we see in Ephesians 1 is that of being chosen for adoption.  Looking at the culture in Israel during Bible times adoption is a great honor.  The first-born son would inherit everything.  God adopts us as first-born sons.  I’m not sure how well it translates into the American culture that I know so well.  In Bible culture this was a very high honor.  I want to allow that concept to warm my heart living in what is often a cold, dark (sin-cursed) world.

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You for choosing me to be an adopted child.  Thank You for the beauty of Your love.  Please help me to share this with those who know You chose them as well as those who have not learned of this wonderful gift.

I pray this in Jesus’ name.

God is so good.

The Wisdom of Praise

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I have noticed how easy it is to complain. I think that has always been an issue, but it has been even more prevalent in the last two and half years. I know I should thank and praise the Lord more than I do, but sometimes it feels awkward. I want to work on changing that.

There is great wisdom in praising and thanking God. He has given so many good gifts. If you don’t know what they are, read the Bible.

Dear Heavenly Father, I praise You for Who You are and the many wonderful things You have done. Thank You for the gift of salvation, the ministry of the Holy Spirit, and Your Word that gives so much insight for life.

I pray this in Jesus’ name.

God is so good.

Wisdom for Good

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I struggled as I thought about these verses.  It sounds like the prosperity gospel.  The Bible makes it clear that we will have trials and difficulties (James 1:2-3, Phil. 1:29). However, through those challenges, God provides His wisdom to help make our paths straight (Proverbs 3:6).  While trials cause pain, wisdom provides life and blessing (Proverbs 3:18).  I find that thought comforting.

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You for the blessing wisdom brings.  Thank You for providing help through life’s trials.  Please give me the strength to hold fast to wisdom and follow Your way.

I pray this in Jesus’ name.

God is so good.

Safety

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We have heard a lot about safety over the last two years.  Unfortunately, we have passionately disagreed on the details.  No matter where I stand, or the reason why, I want to seek God for wisdom.  Wisdom will direct our thinking through the ever-changing sea of information.  God knows everything.  He knows how it all fits together.  He knows what will happen. He knows the good and bad decisions we will all make.

In Proverbs 2:7-8 we read that God keeps those who follow Him – those who fear Him.  He has wisdom reserved for us.  He is a shield and watches us.  There is safety in the fear of the Lord.

Sometimes we think that the weight of our decisions fully rests on our shoulders.  While we need to take responsibility for our decisions, we need to lean on the Lord and seek the wisdom He so freely gives (James 1:5).

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You for storing wisdom for us. Thank you for the protection you provide. Please help us to seek You in all our decisions.

I pray this in Jesus’ name.

God is so good.

Focusing on God’s Goodness

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I know it can be so easy to fall into the pattern of looking at the difficult things we face in life.  When we focus on the negative, we forget God’s goodness.  I think we know God is good, but we need to remember and think about the ways God is good.

God sent His Son, Jesus, to die on the cross to save us from our sins.  God provides for our needs and often wants.  God only gives good gifts (James 1:17).  So, the next time the weight of trials threatens, take refuge in God.  You can “taste and see” that God is good.

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You for the good gifts You give.  Thank You that I can take refuge in You.  Thank you for the opportunity to “taste and see” that You are good!

I praise this in Jesus’ name.

God is so good.

Tough Days

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This week has been hard on my dad’s side of the family.  Yesterday morning, God chose to take one of my uncles home to glory.  This uncle had many health issues so while the family is grieving, we are thankful that he is no longer suffering.

The Bible tells us we will have difficulties in this life.  Each of us will suffer in different ways.  While I still struggle with the suffering piece of life, I can take comfort in the fact that Jesus has overcome the world.  When Jesus came to earth, His whole purpose was to die on a cross for us.  He came to pay the penalty for our sins.  Jesus overcame death and dying.  Those of us who place our trust in Jesus have hope for an eternal future.  I know that my uncle is rejoicing and whole. 

As you face the tough days in your life, know that you can have hope if you place your trust in Jesus.  He has overcome the world.

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that Jesus’ overcame the world.  Please help me to share the hope that only comes from a relationship with Jesus Christ.

I pray this in Jesus’ name.

God is so good.

Running to God in Faith

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I grieve that so many in the world do not know about God or have a twisted view of who He really is.  Having the opportunity to please God through drawing near Him in faith is a great reward.  I have battled a difficult year.  Surgery in April and a year of supply chain issues {big effect on my job) is not something I would choose.  However, God has a plan for my life that includes drawing me closer to Him.  I can fight His plan or run to Him.  I can assure you, running to God is so much better than fighting against His way.

Dear Heavenly Father, when life is tough my first response is to run away.  I struggle when things are hard, but I know Your grace is strong enough to bring me through tough times.  Thank You for providing a way for me to draw near to You.  Thank You that You want me to draw close to You.  I am in awe of Your love.

I pray this in Jesus’ name.

God is so good.

A Good Word

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We have seen so many forms of anxiety in the last year and a half.  Life has been challenging.  However, there are many forms of help available.  I have been amazed at how powerful positive words can be.  Unfortunately, negative words can have a strong affect also.

I think if we were to give a “good word” more often, we would be amazed at the affects.  I received several “good words” after I shared my health diagnosis earlier this year.  I still have cards posted on my living room wall.  The sentiments in them are so encouraging.  I recently did some digging to find similar cards.  I want to be an encourager.  I know firsthand how beneficial it can be.

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You for the many encouraging words that I have received.  I pray that You would help all of us to find ways to share good words to each other.

I pray this in Jesus’ name.

God is so good.

When I Feel Alone

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Last week I wrote about never being alone.  It is true – when a person places their trust in Christ, they will never be alone.  However, there are tough times when we feel alone.  We need to remember that we should be seeking God on a daily basis.  God holds on to us, but also asks us to seek Him.

The next time you are feeling alone, think about how much you have been seeking Christ.  If you have – keep seeking Him.  If you have not – start seeking Him today.  He will allow you to find Him (Jeremiah 29:13).

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You for reminding us to seek You.  Thank You that it is possible to find You.  Please help me to continually seek You.

I pray this in Jesus’ name.

God is so good.