Philippians 1:3-4
3 I thank my God in all my remembrance of you,
4 always offering prayer with joy in my every prayer for you all, (NAS)
Ever have a good friend you had not seen in a while? Every time you think of them you get a good feeling inside. You can remember those good times of fellowship, of sharing experiences and of your talks about the Lord and His work. Maybe your memories are of a vacation together or a dorm room or a nice meal in your favorite restaurant. Those memories are pleasant and satisfying, but they can create an emptiness and a longing to see that person again.
God has allowed many people to cross your path and not by accident. God in His infinite wisdom knows that you need relationships and arranges those special people to impact your life. Over my years God has certainly placed you and others in my life to make a difference. Thanks for crossing my path.
What action should you take about that special relationship? When you remember someone from the past thank God for them and offer up a prayer. If you don’t know what to pray for them simply ask God to bless their life and protect them that day. Real purpose can be about an old friend who came to your mind today and you prayed for them. Who are you praying for today? Make one of those prayers for me?
I hope you find purpose for your life today as you grow in Christ. May God bless you as your spiritual life prospers in Jesus.
Thursday, June 26, 2008
Friday, June 20, 2008
God's Gracious Hand #16
Ezra 7:28 “I felt encouraged because the gracious hand of the Lord my God was on me.” (NLT)
Even the great men of God needed encouragement. As I read this verse I was reminded how many times God has placed his hand on my life in order to encourage me. Ezra was encouraged by God’s Word. Ezra 7:8 “Ezra had determined to study and obey the law of the Lord and to teach those laws and regulations to the people.” (NLT)
Ezra’s encouragement came from God, but again as usual God used people. He was greeted by the king, given silver and gold in order to purchase animals to be used as an offering to God, and an exemption from paying taxes (now that would encourage anyone.) He was given the responsibility of ministry to the people of God. He was also honored by those in authority. What a great reason to be encouraged. Ezra merely counted his blessings and broke into praise.
Here is a great idea in order for you to receive encouragement today. Why not count your many blessings. Praise God for His love, His Son and His salvation. Praise Him for your family and friends, your job, your position in Christ. Praise God because no matter what is going on in your life, your family, your church or you job God in control. THE GRACIOUS HAND OF THE LORD YOUR GOD IS ON YOU!!!
I hope you find purpose for your life today as you grow in Christ. May God bless you as your spiritual life prospers in Jesus.
Friday, June 13, 2008
Under Pressure #15
Romans 5:3
3 And not only this, but we also exult in our tribulations, knowing that tribulation brings about perseverance; (NAS)
Romans 5:3 We can rejoice too, when we run into problems and trials, for we know that they are good for us—they help us to learn endurance. NLT
Romans 5:3 Get all excited about difficulties you face in life, they will change you forever by giving you fortitude. (my paraphrase)
No matter how you interpret it the Bible gives us a clue for getting through the difficulties of life. You undoubtedly have had those trials or tribulations or difficulties. The Greek word, thlipsis, means pressure or stress. Surely you can relate to stress. God’s solution is rejoice, show and express joy. The only way you could possibly do that is the presence of the grace of God and His Holy Spirit. It is like reading the last chapter of the book and realizing that it all turns out good in the end. So it is with your life. There will be stress but it has a purpose.
God wants you to be an over-comer, victorious and bring glory to Him. The way that happens is the stress and trials in your life produce fortitude. William Barclay says that fortitude is more than endurance or patience. Fortitude, the translation of the Greek word, hupomone, “means the spirit which does not passively endure but which actively overcomes the trials and tribulations of life.” You may be experiencing tribulations, trials, or stress today. Let me remind you that God is in charge and He is providing you with fortitude for whatever may come your way.
I hope you find purpose for your life today as you grow in Christ. May God bless you as your spiritual life prospers in Jesus.
3 And not only this, but we also exult in our tribulations, knowing that tribulation brings about perseverance; (NAS)
Romans 5:3 We can rejoice too, when we run into problems and trials, for we know that they are good for us—they help us to learn endurance. NLT
Romans 5:3 Get all excited about difficulties you face in life, they will change you forever by giving you fortitude. (my paraphrase)
No matter how you interpret it the Bible gives us a clue for getting through the difficulties of life. You undoubtedly have had those trials or tribulations or difficulties. The Greek word, thlipsis, means pressure or stress. Surely you can relate to stress. God’s solution is rejoice, show and express joy. The only way you could possibly do that is the presence of the grace of God and His Holy Spirit. It is like reading the last chapter of the book and realizing that it all turns out good in the end. So it is with your life. There will be stress but it has a purpose.
God wants you to be an over-comer, victorious and bring glory to Him. The way that happens is the stress and trials in your life produce fortitude. William Barclay says that fortitude is more than endurance or patience. Fortitude, the translation of the Greek word, hupomone, “means the spirit which does not passively endure but which actively overcomes the trials and tribulations of life.” You may be experiencing tribulations, trials, or stress today. Let me remind you that God is in charge and He is providing you with fortitude for whatever may come your way.
I hope you find purpose for your life today as you grow in Christ. May God bless you as your spiritual life prospers in Jesus.
Thursday, June 5, 2008
Who Cares? #14
Do you know you are very special? God loves you. You are made in His image. Christ died for your sins and rose again to give you His life.
Even with those truths in place you may sometimes feel discouraged, defeated and disappointed. It is then you need some encouragement, a jump start to get you going again. God usually has a wonderful way of sending along someone to lift you up. God does use people, you know. That means He can use you to be an encourager.
1Thessalonians 5:11, 12, 14
11 Therefore encourage one another, and build up one another, just as you also are doing.
12 But we request of you, brethren, that you appreciate those who diligently
labor among you…
14 And we urge you, brethren, admonish the unruly, encourage the fainthearted, help the weak, be patient with all men. (NAS)
Does someone minister to you? Do they care for your spiritual well being? Show some appreciation. Maybe a note, an email, a phone call, a gift, an uplifting word of gratitude would be appropriate. They need your encouragement. Do you know someone who is out of step? Maybe they are headed into troubled waters or making some mistakes that could cause grief and difficulty. Warn them. Let them know you care and encourage them with a word of caution.
Do you know someone who has emotional struggles? Discouragement often leads to depression and distress. Come along side and give them some aid. They need you today. There are those who cannot help themselves and you are in their life to help. Give your self and your time and energy to help them. Lastly, be patient with everyone. You have or will need encouragement yourself sometime. You know that God will provide the encouragement to you at that time. Why not chose to be the one who gives the encouragement. It is after all more blessed to give than to receive. Take a look around. It won’t be long before you find someone to lift up and build up through your encouragement.
I hope you find purpose for your life today as you grow in Christ. May God bless you as your spiritual life prospers in Jesus.
Even with those truths in place you may sometimes feel discouraged, defeated and disappointed. It is then you need some encouragement, a jump start to get you going again. God usually has a wonderful way of sending along someone to lift you up. God does use people, you know. That means He can use you to be an encourager.
1Thessalonians 5:11, 12, 14
11 Therefore encourage one another, and build up one another, just as you also are doing.
12 But we request of you, brethren, that you appreciate those who diligently
labor among you…
14 And we urge you, brethren, admonish the unruly, encourage the fainthearted, help the weak, be patient with all men. (NAS)
Does someone minister to you? Do they care for your spiritual well being? Show some appreciation. Maybe a note, an email, a phone call, a gift, an uplifting word of gratitude would be appropriate. They need your encouragement. Do you know someone who is out of step? Maybe they are headed into troubled waters or making some mistakes that could cause grief and difficulty. Warn them. Let them know you care and encourage them with a word of caution.
Do you know someone who has emotional struggles? Discouragement often leads to depression and distress. Come along side and give them some aid. They need you today. There are those who cannot help themselves and you are in their life to help. Give your self and your time and energy to help them. Lastly, be patient with everyone. You have or will need encouragement yourself sometime. You know that God will provide the encouragement to you at that time. Why not chose to be the one who gives the encouragement. It is after all more blessed to give than to receive. Take a look around. It won’t be long before you find someone to lift up and build up through your encouragement.
I hope you find purpose for your life today as you grow in Christ. May God bless you as your spiritual life prospers in Jesus.
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