December 31, 2010

New Encouragement for the New Year!

First, Happy New Year everyone.  Brenda and I pray that God will richly bless you in 2011.

Through the blog, Facebook, and Twitter we have been bringing you encouragement for several months now.  With the new year, it's time to upgrade what we are offering.  He's what we've got in store.

Encouragement from Scripture and History--Beginning on New Year's Day and continuing every day, we'll offer a daily bible reading plan, both in text and audio format. We'll also include encouraging items from that day in history and commemorate birthday's of people who made or are still making positive contributions to the world.  These will post at 6:00 AM EST.

Affirmation and Life Application from Scripture--We're adding some more depth to our "Encouraging Scripture" feature, reflecting some more study and leaving you with a takeaway that you can apply to your everyday life.  These will post at 7:00 EST Monday-Saturday.

Open and Affirming Sunday Worship--This will continue to post at 8:00 AM every Sunday.  We will continue to add live and archived video services throughout the year.  We also encourage you to check out our lists of affirming churches, which we continue to build.  At some point during the year, we should break 1,000, and many of them will have online audio archives.

Encouraging Music--These uplifting songs will continue to post at 10:00 AM Monday-Saturday.

Encouraging Words--Given the limits of short-form video messages from an open and affirming perspective, we are switching these to daily devotions from external sources, still focusing on uplifting and positive messages.  We will occasionally substitute an essay that fits this criterion.

Thanks for your interest in our message.  I hope you will share a link to our blog or recommend one of our social media outlets to a friend, because who can't use an encouraging word?

Encouraging Words-"Division Dissolves" part 2 of 2

Encouraging Music-"I Am Not Alone" by Natalie Grant

Encouraging Scripture-Start a new year by trusting God

I will say of the LORD, “He is my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust.”
Psalm 91:2 (ESV) from Bible Gateway

This is the time of year many of us make new year resolutions, which are usually well intentioned but often don't come to pass.  This exercise in futility often leads us to beat ourselves up and, instead of making us feel better, we feel a sense of failure.  I'm convinced God doesn't want that for us, so that's why I'm approaching mine a bit differently this year.  I'm dedicating parts of my life where I know I still need growth to the Lord and enlisting Him as a coach, a partner, an encourager, and my refuge and fortress.  I don't trust myself to make significant lifestyle changes on my own, and I've got a pretty long track record to support that.  Things do happen in a big way, though, when I don't take them on by myself.  I'm blessed to have a very loving and supporting wife, but when we're not together, I have God with me to keep me moving forward.  Sometimes He'll have to pick me up, brush me off, and lead me back to the path that he has carved out for me, but I can TRUST Him to do that.  If you are resolving to do anything different or better in 2011, I encourage you to start with trusting God.  Happy New Year everyone!

December 30, 2010

Encouraging Words-"Division Dissolves" part 1 of 2

Encouraging Music-"East to West" by Casting Crowns

Encouraging Scripture-You CAN rule over temptation

No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it.
1 Corinthians 10:13 (ESV) from Bible Gateway

With a new year upon us, that mean's it's time for our New Year's Resolutions.  For me, it's finally time to dedicate myself to getting in share with exercise (ugh) and eating healthy (AAARRRGH!).  My body of work in this area has been inconsistent at best.  Eventually I have yielded to temptation and wound up right back where I started, if not worse.  I read the passage from 1 Corinthians and, to be honest, my first reaction in this context is "Yeah, that's easy for Paul to say, he didn't have a Five Guys in the food court in the building he worked at."  For those who don't know, Five Guys is a wonderful burgers and fries establishment.  Ironically, I have to walk right by the gym in our building to get there. This is not a casual fling, I have a long standing love affair with burgers and fries.  I need to buy into this scripture--there is a way of escape!  I encourage you to read this scripture and apply it to whatever is the "burgers and fries" that are holding you back from being all God wants you to be and start a new year moving beyond it with the strength God has promised us.  I'll keep you posted on my journey on my Facebook page--friend me if you're interested.

December 29, 2010

Encouraging Words-"Community of Hope" part 3 of 3

Encouraging Music-"Something Beautiful" by Newsboys

Encouraging Scripture-What do we love?

Do not love the world or anything in the world. If anyone loves the world, love for the Father is not in them. 
1 John 2:15 (NIV) from Bible Gateway

Scripture is all about love, but what or who do we love?  If it's power, wealth, material possessions, or partying, we've loving the world.  The problem with that is the world does not love us back.  Worldly pleasures are Satan's domain, and he wants to make them as attractive as possible to keep us away from fellowship with God.  If we love our spouse, family, and friends, if we love helping someone who is in no position to return the favor, if we love telling people about our Lord and Savior, then we're loving the way God wants us to, and He will bless it.  The world encourages us to love ourselves, but God taught us to love others as ourselves, then showed us when Jesus died to redeem you and me from our sins.  What do we love, the short-term gratification that the world can offer, or the everlasting, selfless love of our Lord.  It's a choice we need to make every single day, and if you haven't ever done that today would be a great time to start.

December 28, 2010

Encouraging Words-"Community of Hope" part 2 of 3

Encouraging Music-"Call On Jesus" by Nicole C. Mullen

Encouraging Scripture-It's all about love

Dear friends, since God so loved us, we also ought to love one another. 
1 John 4:11 (NIV) from Bible Gateway

I've written recently about the example God set for us and how he wants us to influence each other, then about how He loves us so much he sacrificed His Son for us.  The next logical step is to follow His example of love and selflessness and show love to one another.  Obviously, that doesn't mean walking around hugging and kissing everyone.  More practically, it means providing food for someone who is hungry, shelter for someone out in the cold, a sympathetic ear to someone who is hurting.  What would God do in a situation, and how close can we come to emulating that action?  Yes, it's kind of like WWJD.  At the base of it is always love.  We'll make mistakes and not always know what to do, but if we are stepping out and offering love, it will still bring joy to our Lord's heart and He will likely use whatever we do to bless someone.  Love is the answer.

December 27, 2010

Encouraging Words-"Community of Hope" part 1 of 3

Encouraging Music-"Blessed Be Your Name" by Matt Redman

Encouaging Scripture-Unmerrited favor

God shows his love for us in that, while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.
Romans 5:8 (ESV) from Bible Gateway

Some of the more emotional moments I've had in my life is when I've received a gift or someone has done something for me that I did not feel I deserved, that I felt unworthy of.  I've had that from spouses, friends, and colleagues at work, and it really chokes me up.  I'm sure you've experience that too.  Actually, we've all experience that, receiving the grace (defined as unmerited favor) of Christ dying for us.  Even before we were born, we were destined to inherit a sinful nature, yet Christ willing died for me, my wife, everyone I know, and you too.  He died to pay the price for our sins, substituting Himself for us when we face judgment.  I sure don't deserve that gift, and I'm confident you don't either, but that's how much our Lord loves us.  If you ever doubt His love for you, just remember that.

December 26, 2010

Welcome to Affirming Sunday Worship!

If you don't have a welcoming church near you, or you just can't make yourself step into one, we're bringing worship to you. We have listed below links to open and affirming churches that feature live worship music and/or services that have been previously recorded.  We hope you are blessed and take time out of your busy schedule to enter into the Lord's day.

If one of the live feeds we post isn't working (stuff happens, especially during the winter) we hope you will take time to check out a different live broadcast or peruse our selection of pre-recorded services listed below.

If you know of a service we should add to our list, please send an e-mail at encouragementforliving@gmail.com and share it with us.

The list follows the jump:

December 25, 2010

Encouraging Christmas Music-"Joseph's Lullaby" by Mercy Me

Encouraging Words-Let's CELEBRATE Christmas

Every year Jesus’ parents went to Jerusalem for the Festival of the Passover.
Luke 2:42 (NIV)

I say to you that many will come from the east and the west, and will take their places at the feast with Abraham, Isaac and Jacob in the kingdom of heaven.
Matthew 8:11 (NIV)

I had the pleasure of participating in a Christmas party at work on Wednesday and had a lot of fun.  We had one of those gift exchanges where everyone brings something to put in a pile, then people take turns choosing one.  As it progresses down the list, whoever has a turn can pick a new gift or take something from someone who already picked, forcing them to choose another.  It can get very animated and was a lot of fun. I wound up with a cheap pair of earrings--not even a good re-gift.  Oh well.

As I drove home that night, it struck me that as God looked down at our fellowship time, He would have thought that we almost had it right. 

God loves a party.  I did a quick search through the Bible on the word "feast" and a lot of familiar names came up.  In the Old Testament, Abraham had a feast, Issac had a feast, Joesph had a feast when he reunited with his brothers, Samson held a feast, David had feasts, Solomon had a feast...well, you get the idea.  When these biblical heroes weren't at war, they gathered with friends and loved ones and celebrated their blessings from the Lord with a big party.  There was even a schedule of feasts laid out as part of the Jewish faith. 

Moving into the New Testament, I don't think it was any coincidence that Jesus' first public miracle, changing water into wine, was at a wedding feast.  He had been taught as a child, as we see in the verse from Luke, to observe and participate in the Jewish feasts. In the parable of the prodigal son, his father threw a big party for the whole neighborhood when he returned home.  In the verse from Matthew, Jesus Himself even referred to the gathering in heaven as a feast.

While I'm writing this, Brenda is finalizing plans for our Christmas feast, where we'll be hosting close to 20 family members.  Rather than a burden, we are approaching this as an opportunity to share our blessings with our family.  God doesn't bless us so we can hoard His blessings and keep them to ourselves.  We are supposed to share, and we are supposed to celebrate.  While we're not going to the excess of serving expensive wine and caviar (those of you who know us realize just how ridiculous that would be), if anyone leaves our home Christmas day hungry it will be their own fault.

Nobody left our Christmas party at work hungry, but they weren't full either.  Jesus wasn't invited to our party.  There were several Christians there besides me, but it was much more of a generic holiday celebration than one where we rejoiced over the birth of our savior.  Our family gathering on Christmas day will be an entirely different kettle of fish.  Not only will we share in the abundance we have been blessed with, everyone there will know who we are giving the credit to--our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.  Many of us go to some trouble to celebrate birthdays, both ours and others, but there has never been a birthday of more significance in the history of our world than the birth of Jesus Christ.  Let the joy that should be in all believers' hearts about that spill out into open rejoicing and celebration!

I realize not everyone will have the opportunity to gather with friends and/or family on Christmas day.  If you are so isolated that you will be alone, I offer this thought for your consideration.  God did not create us to be alone, and those of us who have received the Holy Spirit are NOT alone--we can fellowship with the Spirit.  God wants us to have other people in our lives, and if that's not the case with you today, I encourage you to seek out the Lord and ask him to show you the path that will change that.  Sometimes we're alone because we've forgotten or never really understood how to reach out and enter into fellowship with others--the Holy Spirit can teach you how to do that, and you can join with others to celebrate our savior's birthday next year.

I pray that everyone embraces the miracle of the virgin birth and the hope that brought into our world.  Merry Christmas everyone, and don't forget to invite the guest of honor to your Christmas celebration.

December 24, 2010

Encouraging Words-A Rudolph Christmas Part 5 of 5

Encouraging Christmas Music="Do They Know It's Christmas" by Band Aid

Encouraging Scripture-God is about peace, not confusion

For God is not a God of confusion but of peace.
1 Corinthians 14:33 (ESV) from Bible Gateway

Joyce Meyer has done some great teachings on the concept of peace from God.  She keeps it simple--ifyou are conflicted about something, you haven't heard from God yet.  If you have peace, then that it quite likely where God wants you to be.  As Paul writes, our Lord wants us to be grounded, centered, focused on Him and how to walk out His blessings in our lives and bring those blessings to other.  He does not want us confused, stressed, anxious, uncertain--that's where Satan want us.  When we're confused, he can get to us and take us off the path God has for us into directions that will not benefit ourselves or others.  To know God is to know peace--not the absence of conflict but a security, a certainty, a calmness that goes far beyond our emotions into our very souls.  That's not something we can come up with on our own--it is a gift from God.  Let's remember that and walk in it!

December 23, 2010

Encouraging Words-A Rudolph Christmas Part 4 of 5

Encouraging Christmas Music-"Away in a Manger" by Third Day

Encouraging Scripture-Using our influence

And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds
Hebrews 10:24 (NIV) from Bible Gateway

Being a Christian isn't all about what we do--it's also about how we can influence others.  Regardless of your line of work or family situation, there are undoubtedly people in your life that you exert some level of influence over, directly or much more subtly.  That can be positive, like when others see you treating someone with love and/or respect, or negative if they see you swearing or screaming at someone.  During Jesus' time on earth, he exerted that type of influence to show people how to live a godly life.  It started with love, which manifested itself into good deeds.  That's his example and the one He wants us to set for others.  You can give give verbal encouragement, but nothing will spur someone toward loving behavior than to show love yourself.  There is no way to have a greater influence on the world than to lead others toward more godly actions, even if it's one person at a time.

December 22, 2010

Encouraging Words-A Rudolph Christmas Part 3 of 5

Encouraging Christmas Music-"One King" by Point of Grace

Encouraging Scripture-We can not be separated from God's love

I am sure that nothing can separate us from God's love--not life or death, not angels or spirits, not the present or the future, and not powers above or powers below. Nothing in all creation can separate us from God's love for us in Christ Jesus our Lord!
Romans 8:38-39 (NIV) from Bible Gateway

Just think, we have been promised that nothing, repeat nothing, can separated us from God's love!  Regardless if you have messed up every single relationship in your life, you can't chase God away.  If every person you have loved has left you, rest assured that God won't.  We don't have to walk on the proverbial eggshells with Him.  We can and should be very real with our Lord.  If there is something we need to approach someone about, we can test it out on Him first.  People can, will, and do leave, but God doesn't.  Once we receive Him in our hearts, He's there for the duration.  There aren't nearly enough absolutes in our lives and in this world, but that's one.  When you think about it, it's pretty awesome to know we can have God in our lives every day.

December 21, 2010

Encouraging Words-A Rudolph Christmas Part 2 of 5

Encouraging Christmas Music="Emanuel (Hallowed Manger Ground) by Chris Tomlin

Encouraging Scripture-Don't underestimate God

Now to him who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, according to the power at work within us, to him be glory
Ephesians 3:20-21a (ESV) from Bible Gateway

I suspect if we tallied it up, most of us have been more often disappointed by someone than we have pleasantly surprised by the impact they have made in our lives.  Whether it's reliability, interest, technical ability, or just being there, people just have a way of letting you down more often than not.  As we go through our lives and learn this painful lesson, we can easily slip into the habit of thinking the same of our Lord.  We lower the bar, doubting how interested He is, whether we can actually count on Him, and if He truly can do all the things the Bible says He can.  We are reminded in Ephesians 3 that He can do far more than we ask or think.  He is not a human with a sinful nature--He is our omnipotent God who loves us!  Of course he can do [fill in the blank].  Of course He cares.  Of course He is always there for us.  He's not your spouse who has hurt you, your child who has drifted away, or your boss who doesn't appreciate you.  Let's be vigilant about not lumping God in with that motley group.  The power at work within us is what can get us through being disappointed by others and still having the hope of better things to come; the promises that God Himself has made to us.

December 20, 2010

Encouraging Words-A Rudolph Christmas Part 1 of 5

Encouraging Christmas Music-"This Baby" by Steven Curtis Chapman

Encouraging Scripture-True beauty is more than skin deep

Your beauty should not come from outward adornment, such as elaborate hairstyles and the wearing of gold jewelry or fine clothes. Rather, it should be that of your inner self, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is of great worth in God’s sight.
1 Peter 3:3-4 (NIV) from Bible Gateway

As you've been Christmas shopping this year, there's a good chance you've been inundated with society's view of beauty.  For women, it's being thin with expensive clothes, makeup, and jewelry.  For men, it's being buff and muscular with expensive clothes and jewelry.  Companies have invested a lot of effort and money into convincing you to buy their products in order to achieve that and not be perceived a failure.  I sure am glad that's now how God views me, and He doesn't view you that way either.  Notice that the Lord doesn't say there's anything wrong with looking good, but He's a lot more concerned with what's in your heart.  Are you focused on showing love and kindness instead of concentrating on your selfish interests?  That might not make retailers happy, but I can't think of anything better than bringing a smile to my Lord's face.  Our clothes and accessories won't do that, but purity in our hearts will.

December 19, 2010

Welcome to Affirming Sunday Worship!

If you don't have a welcoming church near you, or you just can't make yourself step into one, we're bringing worship to you. We have listed below links to open and affirming churches that feature live worship music and/or services that have been previously recorded.  We hope you are blessed and take time out of your busy schedule to enter into the Lord's day.

If one of the live feeds we post isn't working (stuff happens, especially during the winter) we hope you will take time to check out a different live broadcast or peruse our selection of pre-recorded services listed below.

If you know of a service we should add to our list, please send an e-mail at encouragementforliving@gmail.com and share it with us.

The list follows the jump:

December 17, 2010

Encouraging Words-Like a Tree Planted By the River part 5 of 5

Encouraging Christmas Music-"Light of the Stable" by Selah

Encouraging Scripture-See out the good stuff

The heart of the discerning acquires knowledge, for the ears of the wise seek it out.
Proverbs 18:15 (NIV) from Bible Gateway

Becoming a Christian does not mean turning your mind off.  Reality is just the opposite.  Understanding the Bible and how God wants us to live a life that reflects Jesus is hard.  The more effort we put into study and prayer, the more we will understand of His ways and the better we will be able to demonstrate that to others.  A key word in this scripture is discerning.  As we study and sit under the teaching of others, we need to be very discerning about what we read and who we trust to speak into our lives.  There are a lot of people writing books and teaching that veer far off from the Bible and the way of life that Jesus died for.  We can't just throw up our hands and not trust anyone, we need to ask the Lord to guide us to the right books, the right speakers, and show us when something does not line up with His word and who He is.  He will bless those who seek Him out and provide the teaching we seek.

December 16, 2010

Encouraging Words-Like a Tree Planted By the River part 4 of 5

Encouraging Christmas Music-"Mary, Did You Know?" by Clay Aiken

Encouraging Scripture-Break the cycle

Whoever heeds discipline shows the way to life, but whoever ignores correction leads others astray. 
Proverbs 12:17 (NIV) from Bible Gateway

I'm sure we all know someone who keeps making the same mistake over and over again.  When we hear about the latest example, we just shake our head ruefully and wonder how they could be so foolish.  There's a good chance, however, that our friends sometime do the same thing about us.  Whether it's moving into bad relationships, changing one no-win situation at work for another, or failing at that diet or kicking that bad habit for the umpteenth time, human nature is prone to repeating the same mistake.  This scripture points out the value of heeding discipline and the consequences of ignoring correction.  Sometimes we expect God to simply fix our mistake and remove us from a difficult situation we got ourselves into, but He never said He would do that.  God is with us through the difficulty, but we have to accept consequences of our decisions.  Let's all try to see the Lord's guidance and find a new way through those situations in our lives that always seem to trip us up--God will show us a better way.

December 15, 2010

Encouraging Words-Like a Tree Planted By the River part 3 of 5

Encouraging Christmas Music-"Joy to the World" by Casting Crowns

Encouraging Scripture-Cut through the fluff

Apply your heart to instruction and your ears to words of knowledge.
Proverbs 23:12 (NIV) from Bible Gateway

We can easily be overwhelmed by information today, especially through the device you are using to read this-you computer, IPad, or smart phone.  There's a lot of interesting stuff out there that just wasn't available a generation ago.  So much of it, in fact, that I believe it is harder to sift through it to focus on what is truly important to our lives.  We can get so caught up in the sports scores or the latest celebrity gossip that we don't take time to develop the gifts that God gave us, and we don't take advantage of the many available resources to learn about Him.  That's why we need to apply our heart to instruction.  We have to intentionally seek out what God wants us to know, either hearing it directly through Him or being directed to a resource by the Holy Spirit.  That's where he will bless us and move our lives along the path he has laid out for us, and if we are really seeking that out, He will guide us through all the fluff and distractions to make sure we find Him along the Information Superhighway.

December 14, 2010

Encouraging Words-Like a Tree Planted By the River part 2 of 5

Encouraging Christmas Music-"Do You Hear What I Hear" by Carrie Underwood

Encouraging Scripture-Avoid the traps

for the LORD will be at your side and will keep your foot from being snared. 
Proverbs 3:26 (NIV) from Bible Gateway

This scripture refers to how an animal can get caught in a trap that snaps down on his foot and holds him captive until hunters find him.  We have plenty of traps in our lives and society in general lying in wait for us to trip over them.   With the Lord at our side, as is promised in this scripture, we can avoid the trap of greed causing us to focus on accumulating wealth.  We can avoid the trap of substance abuse ruining our lives.  With God at our side, the trap of lust won't snap down on us and ruin our relationships.  The trap of entertainment won't distract us from our work, our studies, and most important, God Himself.  If we rely on ourselves, we are very vulnerable to one or more of those traps.  Fortunately, we have a better guide through life--our Lord.

December 13, 2010

Encouraging Words-Like a Tree Planted By the River part 1 of 5

Encouraging Christmas Music-"Silent Night" by Olivia Newton John

Encouraging Scripture-Those who know it all don't

Listen to advice and accept discipline, and at the end you will be counted among the wise.
Proverbs 19:20 (NIV) from Bible Gateway

For a long time I've thought someone who approached life as a know-it-all and held himself above reproach was delusional, and here's a scripture to back that up.  It is particularly unfortunate when one of those people is standing behind a pulpit at a church.  When we build ourselves up and stop receiving counsel and correction from others, we are venturing into dangerous territory that the Devil loves to see us in.  Jesus showed us the example here by continually seeking counsel from His Father in Heaven.  While He never needed correction, he still needed advice and guidance. If He needed advice, it certain that you and I do.  God will speak to us direction, and he will send people into our lives to help us.  As the old saying goes, half of being smart is knowing what you're dumb at.  Seeking guidance in those areas will lead us toward a higher level of wisdom in our lives.

December 12, 2010

Welcome to Affirming Sunday Worship!

If you don't have a welcoming church near you, or you just can't make yourself step into one, we're bringing worship to you. We have listed below links to open and affirming churches that feature live worship music and/or services that have been previously recorded.  We hope you are blessed and take time out of your busy schedule to enter into the Lord's day.

If one of the live feeds we post isn't working (stuff happens, especially during the winter) we hope you will take time to check out a different live broadcast or peruse our selection of pre-recorded services listed below.

If you know of a service we should add to our list, please send an e-mail at encouragementforliving@gmail.com and share it with us.

The list follows the jump:

December 11, 2010

Encouraging Christmas Music-"O' Come All Ye Faithful" by Celtic Women

Encouraging Words-The Lights of Christmas

In him was life, and that life was the light of all mankind. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.
John 1:4-5 (NIV)

After Jesus was born in Bethlehem in Judea, during the time of King Herod, Magi from the east came to Jerusalem and asked, “Where is the one who has been born king of the Jews? We saw his star when it rose and have come to worship him.”
Matthew 2:1-2 (NIV)

We're now in the Advent season, and one of things I enjoy about it getting dark earlier is driving home and seeing all of the elaborate Christmas light displays adorning homes and yards along my trip.  Brenda decorated our house with lights on the porch, a lit tree with Mr. and Mrs. Santa in the living room window, and lights in several other windows.   One of our neighbors filled the whole yard with lit Christmas decorations and even has music playing.  It will never cease to amaze me how much time, effort, and expense people will put into setting up these displays for only a few weeks of use.  When I think about it, though, it does make sense.

Isn't a display of lights a wonderful way to celebrate the birth of our savior, the Light of the World?

John told us that Jesus was the light of all mankind, and that the darkness has not overcome that light!  There are people who physically suffer during these shortest days of the year.  Their bodies are extra light-sensitive and their energy level and overall health are not as good when there is less sunlight.  We are ALL light sensitive in our souls and can suffer greatly when we allow the darkness to creep in and occupy space where light could and should be. 

Think of it like a door with the light on the other side. If the door is shut tight, it is pitch black with no light getting in at all.  If we have it cracked open, there is a little sliver of light sneaking in, but not enough to do much good.  As we open the door wider, the darkness dissipates and is overcome by the light.  That's what our Lord can do in our souls, but we need to make sure we've got the door WIDE OPEN to receive His full blessings and walk in the light he will cast into our lives.

Jesus not only is the light, He uses light to draw others toward Him.  In Matthew 2, we are told that the Magi used the light thrown off from the Star of Bethlehem to find the baby Jesus and worship Him.  Today, people aren't drawn to Jesus by stars, they are drawn by other people.  I'm not talking about preachers here, because seekers generally don't wind up in church to hear them unless they have made contact with someone who sparked their interest in learning more about and getting to know Jesus.

It's about more than inviting someone to church.  That is useful, of course, but much more important is how we are living our lives, how we are acting like a mirror reflecting the light of Jesus onto others.  Do people see something in our demeanor, our actions, our values that is attractive enough for them to say "I want some of that in my life?"  Sometimes they don't know what that "something" is, but when we tell them it's Jesus,when they see it played out in a loving, unselfish way in our lives, their interest can be piqued. 

When you're hanging the Christmas lights or enjoying ones someone else has put up this season, I encourage you to remember (1) Jesus is the light and (2) He gave us the light so we can draw others to Him.

I think that pretty wells sums up Christmas, friends.

December 10, 2010

Encouraging Words-Fill 'Er Up part 4 of 4

Encouraging Christmas Music-"Oh Holy Night" by Faith Hill

Encouraging Scripture-Cheer up

But let all who take refuge in you be glad; let them ever sing for joy. Spread your protection over them, that those who love your name may rejoice in you. 
Psalm 5:11 (NIV) from Bible Gateway

Have you ever been around someone who professes to be a Christian who always has a sour disposition?  You know, someone who never laughs at jokes, is always serious, never seems to have fun?  Real buzz kill, aren't they?  They're also an oxymoron-a joyless Christian.  Why in the world wouldn't someone be happy knowing that the most powerful being in the universe loves them?  Why wouldn't you be practically giddy in knowing that He sent His son to earth to die so we could have eternal life?  How could we not be excited knowing that we will get to meet God in Heaven and have all the answers to those tough questions (like why DO fools fall in love) that have bothered us for years?  Sure, we all have our moments where we're not dancing with joy, but that joy should be in our hearts because the Holy Spirit brings it with Him  If you love God, rejoice in His love for you!  If you don't, there's still time to get in on the good stuff of following Him!

December 9, 2010

Encouraging Words-Fill 'Er Up part 3 of 4

Encouraging Christmas Music-"Hark! The Herald Angels Sing" by Charlotte Church

Encouraging Scripture-Truth isn't taught by a book

Behold, you delight in truth in the inward being, and you teach me wisdom in the secret heart.
Psalm 51:6 (ESV) from Bible Gateway

The concept of truth is something that is passionately debated in today's society.  How can we possibly learn truth if we don't even agree on the concept?  An increasing number of people don't believe in absolute truth, often because they have seen in preached or lectured about where it was ultimately just part of someone's personal or political agenda.  Bookstores today are full of books wanting to explain "the truth" about something to us if we supply our credit card number to purchase it.  I believe that absolute truth DOES exist, and it doesn't come with a bill.  The cost has already been paid by Jesus Christ when he sacrificed Himself on the cross.  God has and IS truth, and the best way we can learn it is directly from the source--unfiltered and untainted by someone's opinions or agenda.  The Bible is the jumping in point to develop a relationship with God--He will teach us the basics of truth in our inward being as we connect with the Holy Spirit, and there is much more to be learned when we join Him in heaven.

December 8, 2010

Encouraging Words-Fill 'Er Up part 2 of 4

Encouraging Christmast Music-"When a Child Is Born" by The Moody Blues

Encouraging Scripture-God is our refuge

Keep me safe, my God, for in you I take refuge. 
Psalm 16:1 (NIV) from Bible Gateway

Having somewhere we can go to get away from our lives for even a few minutes can be a very good thing.  Maybe walking down the block to a Starbucks (because nothing relaxes you like a double espresso), or maybe you have a den or other quiet place in your home where everyone knows you are not to be disturbed.  We can be there, however, and still not really have found refuge.  We can't always escape our fears, our anxiety, the pressure we face in our lives, by finding solitude because our thoughts follow us wherever we go.  That's where we need the peace only the Holy Spirit can offer us.  Finding peace in Washington, DC traffic can be a real challenge, yet I can when I'm praying and feeling the Lord's presence through the Holy Spirit.  As our thoughts follow us around, so does God.  He can be our refuge anywhere and everywhere, we just have to open the door so He can enter.

December 7, 2010

Encouraging Christmas Music-"Little Drummer Boy" by Bing Crosby & David Bowie

Encouraging Words-Fill 'Er Up part 1 of 4

A sermon that takes a look at hungering and thirsting after God!

Encouraging Scripture-You are never beneath God's notice

Though the LORD is exalted, he looks kindly on the lowly; though lofty, he sees them from afar. 
Psalm 138:6 (NIV) from Bible Gateway

A trend that is all too common in our society is for people to build themselves up by making others feel small.  By putting someone else or an entire group down, people can think they are raising their status.  I have worked for people like that, and sadly I have in the past worshiped with them.  This is NOT the heart of our Lord. He deserves exaltation, yet he reaches down to those at the lowest rungs in the hierarchy of society.  He doesn't treat captains of industry or pastors of megachurches differently than a homeless person sleeping under a bridge at night.  His love and His strength are available to all.  We all need to take the same path through Christ to be redeemed and receive the gift of salvation.  Please remember this the next time someone acts as if they are better that you--that's not how God sees you.

December 6, 2010

Encouraging Words-Faith and Endurance

Encouraging Christmas Music-"Love Came Down at Christmas" by Jars of Clay

Encouraging Scirpture-In Chirst, we are never a rudderless ship

I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you with my loving eye on you. 
Psalm 32:8 (NIV) from Bible Gateway
If you put a boat in the water and didn't have a course charted or had a map to follow, you would have no idea where to steer the boat.  Sometimes our lives feel like that, don't they.  We don't feel like we are steering our lives and have a particular direction we are heading.  We can feel like a boat in rough weather, getting blown about by the wind or being smacked around by high waves.  That's why this verse is so important to remember.  We're never out there on our own, the Lord is always keeping his loving eye on us.  He's not waiting to catch us doing something wrong, He's there waiting to point us in the right direction, to share some wisdom with us, or just simply to love us.  Like a nurturing parent or a caring friend, He's not there to make us feel small and inadequate. He's there to lift us up so we can stand tall and face whatever the world throws at us.

December 5, 2010

Welcome to Affirming Sunday Worship!

If you don't have a welcoming church near you, or you just can't make yourself step into one, we're bringing worship to you. We have listed below links to open and affirming churches that feature live worship music and/or services that have been previously recorded.  We hope you are blessed and take time out of your busy schedule to enter into the Lord's day.

If one of the live feeds we post isn't working (stuff happens, especially during the winter) we hope you will take time to check out a different live broadcast or peruse our selection of pre-recorded services listed below.

If you know of a service we should add to our list, please send an e-mail at encouragementforliving@gmail.com and share it with us.

The list follows the jump:

December 4, 2010

Encouraging Music-"Draw Me Close" by Michael W. Smith

Encouraging Words-Three Points to Prayer

LORD, our Lord, how majestic is your name in all the earth!
Psalm 8:1 (NIV)
Enter his gates with thanksgiving and his courts with praise; give thanks to him and praise his name.
Psalm 100:4 (NIV)
Trust in him at all times, you people; pour out your hearts to him, for God is our refuge.
Psalm 62:8 (NIV)

Two weeks ago, I wrote about prayer and promised to share what I've been doing to improve my prayer life.  Inspired by ideas from Bill Hybels' book "Too Busy Not to Pray," there are three key steps I've taken that have really made a difference.  They may seem elementary to you, but prayer is not exactly rocket science.  It's three parts intent and effort, which I touched on previously, and one part approach, which I'll talk about now.

I chose the three scriptures above because each of them illustrate one of the steps I have taken to significantly improve my prayer life in recent days.  I have a looooong commute back and forth to work, so my best quality one-on-one time with the Lord is usually in my car, sometimes actually sensing Him in the passenger seat.

The first thing I have done when approaching Him is to acknowledge who He is.  He is Lord and He is majestic.  I start out my prayer time with this, essentially approaching His throne in humble adoration.  An important part of effective communication is to set the tone early, and I believe acknowledging that He is God and I'm not is very important.  He loves me and wants to be my friend, but this is not a relationship of equals.  I would be pretty lousy at parting large bodies of water or healing the sick, but our Lord can do that in the blink of an eye.  I don't think it's a bad idea to keep that in mind.

After I humbly approach God, I then move into thanksgiving.  Everyone likes to feel appreciated when they do something for us, and I believe our Lord is no different.  After acknowledging who He is, I thank him for using the power at His disposal to provide me with so many blessings, both large and small.  I think it is helpful to remember that God doesn't have to lift a finger to do squat for us, but He CHOOSES  to because He loves us so much.  Just typing those words makes me want to shout out praise to Him!  Getting in the habit of doing that in our regular prayer time will just move us closer to Him and add a depth and intimacy that can knock our socks off.

Finally, it's time to open up to my Heavenly Father and tell Him what's bothering me.  He is my refuge (yours too) and is waiting, hoping, that I turn to Him and pour my heart out.  I'm not giving Him a news flash; he knows what I am experiencing and feeling.  That act of sharing with the Lord deepens our relationship with Him.  Just like with our earthly friends, we know a relationship has gone to a new level when someone really opens up and shares their deep feelings, their dark secrets, with us.  God is the most worthy of our trust and has invited us to share anything and everything with Him.  If it's confessing sin, he can cleanse us.  If it's a need, either for ourselves or someone we know, we are demonstrating trust in the Lord by approaching Him, and He is then more likely to trust us by sharing wisdom, discernment, and further blessings.

I can testify to that last point from very recent experience.  I spent several blocks of time in our designated ministry area (a great thing if you can set space aside in your home) last weekend seeking guidance and wisdom from God, and He delivered big time.  Sometimes he gave me a thought directly, other times he pointed me to one of the books in our library to find something.  It was an awesome experience, and one that I believe each one of us can have.  I'm sure some of you have already been blessed with something like that.

There are many, many ways to enter into prayer and make a strong connection with God, and some of them may look quite different from the three points I've laid out here.  If you're not enjoying an active prayer life, though, I offer this approach for you to try out. 

One thing is certain; God will bless the efforts we make to reach out to Him.

December 3, 2010

Encouraging Words-Brokenness Brings Breakthrough Part 7 of 7

Encouraging Music-"Your Name" by Phillips, Craig, & Dean

Encouraging Scrpiture-God gives us strength and a song

You read a lot here about the strength the Lord can provide to us to endure trials and battle those who would hurt us, but there's another side to Him that can get neglected.  God can put a song in our hearts.  He is the greatest source of unbridled joy we can ever have.  You may have had experiences as a young child running around through a field chasing butterflies and just giggling your little head off.  You weren't worried about anything at that moment, you were just enjoying the beauty of God's creation--pure, childlike joy.  That's the nature that God places in us that gets pulverized into submission with the problems in our lives, but it is still there.  We don't have to give up our strength to experience joy because God is BOTH in our lives, and I suspect the joy we allow ourselves to experience only enhances our strength when we need it.

"Behold, God is my salvation; I will trust, and will not be afraid; for the LORD GOD is my strength and my song,
and he has become my salvation."
Isaiah 12:2 (ESV) from Bible Gateway

December 2, 2010

Encouraging Words-Brokenness Brings Breakthrough Parts 5 & 6 of 7



Encouraging Music-"I Can Only Imagine" by Mercy Me

Encouraging Scripture-Show me the way

Sometimes the pressure really gets to me at work.  I feel like more demands are coming to me from too many directions for me to process effectively, and I use all my energy trying not to explode.  I need to remind myself that I should never really feel that way because it's NEVER all on me.  I've got help available to me 24-7 wherever I am.  The Lord is there for me to connect with.  Sometimes he can give me a specific answer or help me sort through multiple priorities, other times he just gives me a big spiritual hug and reminds me how much he loves me.  Then there are times I've already snapped at someone, and He forgives me and empowers me to apologize to my victim.  God may not always give me what I ask for in those situations (a good thing, actually) but is always available to give me what I need.

Show me your ways, LORD, teach me your paths. Guide me in your truth and teach me, for you are God my Savior, and my hope is in you all day long.
Psalm 25:4-5 (NIV) from Bible Gateway

December 1, 2010

Encouraging Words-Brokenness Brings Breakthrough Part 4 of 7

Encouraging Music-"Healing Hand of God" by Jeremy Camp

Encouraging Scripture-No one can boast

 Don't you love when someone you know takes the time to tell you how great they are?  Isn't it fun to listen to someone rattle off their accomplishments when you both know they dwarf yours?  It isn't, is it?  Guess what else is isn't--scriptural.  We are reminded in Ephesians NOT to boast.  Our skills, abilities, blessings, anything we might be tempted to boast about, are not through our works but a gift from God.  Yes, I know people also boast about gifts they receive, but that's okay.  God saved us and gave us gifts to glorify Him, not us.  If we share with someone how blessed we are and point to the correct source, Jesus, then we're boasting about how wonderful a God we have.  Wouldn't that be a great way to share your faith and maybe get someone's attention who might otherwise not be interested?

For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God—not by works, so that no one can boast.
Ephesians 2:8-9 (NIV) from Bible Gateway

November 30, 2010

World Aids Day 2010

Wednesday, December 1 is World AIDS Day.  I encourage you to click on the link below and learn more about it and to find out where the fight against this deadly disease stands.  Also, take a moment to remember those we have lost and pray for those dealing with AIDS on a daily basis.

World AIDS Campaign

Encouraging Words-Brokenness Brings Breakthrough Part 3 of 7

Encouraging Music-"Everything to Me" by Avalon

Encouraging Scripture-Each to his (or her) own gifts

Yesterday I shared my childhood trauma about not being picked for playground teams.  The other side of that story was how different it was when we got back in the classroom.  When it became time to chose up teams for academic competition, I was always one of the first chosen.  The stars of the playing field were the ones who wanted to be on MY team because they recognized my gifts in math, spelling (those have faded a bit over time) etc.  What I understand now is that God planned it that way.  He didn't want me to be a star athlete--instead he gave me gifting that would be used in the classroom and later in the office.  That didn't make me any better or worse than my classmates, I was just made to have a different function.  We all have our gifts and places to use them.  Don't regret giftings you don't have, rejoice in the ones you do.

For just as each of us has one body with many members, and these members do not all have the same function,  so in Christ we, though many, form one body, and each member belongs to all the others. We have different gifts, according to the grace given to each of us.
Romans 12:4-6a (NIV) from Bible Gateway

November 29, 2010

Encouraging Words-Brokenness Brings Breakthrough Parts 1 & 2 of 7



Encouraging Music-"How You Live (Turn Up the Music)" by Point of Grace

Encouraging Scirpture-You were chosen

I remember not being particularly gifted athletically in my youth (or ever, actually) and was one of the kids often not picked when it was time to chose teams for whatever sport was in season.  Although it obviously didn't ruin my life, I still remember how disappointing and embarrassing that was.  How great is it, then, to know that God has chosen me for his team!  Not only did he pick me, he promised that I would have the resources to fill the role that he has chosen for me--all I have to do is ask.  If you don't get that promotion, or get dumped by your significant other, remember that we are still chosen by our Heavenly Father, and therefore have great value and purpose in our lives.

You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you so that you might go and bear fruit—fruit that will last—and so that whatever you ask in my name the Father will give you.
John 15:16 (NIV) from Bible Gateway

November 28, 2010

Welcome to Affirming Sunday Worship!

If you don't have a welcoming church near you, or you just can't make yourself step into one, we're bringing worship to you. We have listed below links to open and affirming churches that feature live worship music and/or services that have been previously recorded.  We hope you are blessed and take time out of your busy schedule to enter into the Lord's day.

If one of the live feeds we post isn't working (stuff happens, especially during the winter) we hope you will take time to check out a different live broadcast or peruse our selection of pre-recorded services listed below.

If you know of a service we should add to our list, please send an e-mail at encouragementforliving@gmail.com and share it with us.

The list follows the jump:

November 27, 2010

Encouraging Words-Bridge Building With Mark Tidd

Radio talk show host, Tony Sweet, interviews Mark Tidd, Founder of Highlands Church -- Denver Colorado about building bridges between the gay community and mainline churches. Mark discusses his journey of coming to accept the LGBT community when a family with a transgender child came to him for counseling. This later launched him into starting a new church which is open to all people regardless of orientation. Mark is also an outspoken supporter of gay marriage.

Encouraging Music-"Mercy In Me" by Todd Agnew

Encouraging Scripture-Come to serve, not be served

Did you see the Seinfeld episode where George decided to do everything the opposite of what his instincts told him to do? People suddenly thought he was brilliant!  It seems like Jesus took that approach; think of how man would act then do the opposite.  That explains today's scripture where we must act as a servant to be great.  That would be an oxymoron in the natural, but that's how Jesus Himself lived his life, and suffered His death.  We attain the greatest stature in heaven when we lower ourselves on earth to act as a humble servant, one willing to do anything to help our fellow man and glorify our Lord in the process.

whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first must be slave of all.  For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.”
Mark 10:43b-45 (NIV) from Bible Gateway

November 26, 2010

Encouraging Words-Bridge Building With Chuck Smith, Jr.

Radio talk show host, Tony Sweet, interviews Chuck Smith Jr, Founder of Calvary Chapel Church of Capo Beach about building bridges between the gay community and mainline churches. Chuck discusses his journey of coming to a place of acceptance of the gay community which came about through gay member of his own congregation. Today he is an outspoken supporter of the gay community and still involved in ministry.

Encouraging Music-"Thank You" by Ray Boltz

Encouraging Scirpture-We all need our quiet time

 I really struggle with the concept of making myself stop and, as my wife Brenda loves to tell me, "be still!"  We can get so caught up in doing that we feel guilty when we take time for ourselves to relax and recharge.  Guess what--Jesus did just that during His ministry on earth.  Despite the relative brevity of his ministry, He knew His human body could not just keep going without stopping every now and then to rest and refresh.  That's right, the most powerful man to ever walk the earth needed quiet time.  In light of that, how can we think that we don't?  Let's make a better effort to give ourselves permission to rest.

Immediately Jesus made his disciples get into the boat and go on ahead of him to Bethsaida, while he dismissed the crowd. After leaving them, he went up on a mountainside to pray. 
Mark 6:45-46 (NIV) from Bible Gateway

November 25, 2010

Encouraging Words-A Different View of Giving Thanks

And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.
Romans 8:28 (NIV)

Rejoice always,  pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.
1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 (NIV)

Given that today is Thanksgiving in the U.S., it only seems right to talk about giving thanks.  I want to take a different path than you might expect, however. 

It's a pretty standard thing for most of us to list our many blessings and praise the Lord for them on Thanksgiving, but this year, I'm choosing to focus on the most painful experiences of my life.  Several come to mind'; the desertion of my mother and me by my father, the failure of a business venture, and the deaths of my mother and wife.  I'm sure you could all come up with a similar short list.

Trust me, these were all devastating at the time they happened, and they still don't bring a warm fuzzy as I think of them right now.  I have learned that time does NOT heal all wounds, but it gives you a chance to understand their impact in your life.

My dad's sudden departure (a week after I graduated high school) was hurtful and brought great stress into our lives, but it also forced me to grow up a lot quicker than I probably would have otherwise.  The business failure almost ruined me financially, but I developed a greater respect for the business process, something that has subsequently helped my career get back on track.  Losing my mother was traumatic, but it gave me the freedom to finally grow into an independent adult and learn from mistakes I made on my own.  My wife Bette's passing was the most painful thing that has ever happened to me, but it drove me to my knees where I began the process of truly yielding my life to the Lord.

I would have avoided each of these events if I could, but I would have missed the blessings that came from my life being shaken up, from my path being radically changed.  Romans 8:28 can seem like a trite cliche, but I have lived it!  I bet many of you have too. 

During our Maryland Saints Fellowship meeting this past Sunday, we were discussing the concept stated in the 1 Thessalonians text when I brought up the positive things the Lord has brought into my life since Bette was promoted to heaven that probably would not have happened if she was still alive.  Apostle Dale said that, while he was deeply sorry for the pain I experienced, he was thankful that Bette has passed on so he and I could be in each others' lives and be engaged in ministry together.  I hadn't really thought of it from that perspective before, but the blessings that came out of the tragedies in my life have a scope beyond me, just as my life has been blessed with the joy of my marriage to Brenda that could come only after her previous marriage ended in divorce.

While I can never honestly say I am thankful for any of those events happening, I an deeply grateful and praise God for what He has done in my life as a result of them.  None of those wounds has ever completely healed, and they won't this side of heaven.  The Lord, however,  has provided blessings that I could first put beside the pain, then later to cover it, and eventually to put it in a box and sit it up on a shelf--it's there but not constant, not debilitating, because we have God's greatest weapon against pain and tragedy...

hope.

We all have some very bad things that have happened in our lives, perhaps some of them are still in the process of playing out.  We also have hope because God loves us so much he sent His son down to Earth to set the path for us to have eternal life and fellowship with Him.

Whatever is happening in your life this Thanksgiving, we can thank the Lord for His Son, and for the hope He gave us.
 
Happy Thanksgiving everyone.

Encouraging Music-Give Thanks With a Grateful Heart

Encouraging Scripture-It is good to give thanks

Isn't it rough to wake up and our first thought is of dreading something that lurks ahead that day, or regret something you did or didn't do last night?  We've all done it, and many of us still do.  Here's a different approach; let's start our day by praising the Lord (singing optional)?  Along with that, instead of ending the day filled with anger or disappointment thank the Lord for His faithfulness, even if we haven't really felt it during the course of that day?  By setting a tone of praise of thanksgiving, you'll likely find that you really do have plenty to be thankful for.  Let's all take time to do that today.  Happy Thanksgiving!

It is good to praise the LORD and make music to your name, O Most High, proclaiming your love in the morning and your faithfulness at night,
Psalm 92:1-2 (NIV) from Bible Gateway

November 24, 2010

Encouraging Words-Bridge Building With Andrew Marin

Radio talk show host, Tony Sweet, interviews Andrew Marin, President and Founder of the Marin Foundation about building bridges between the gay community and mainline churches. Andrew discusses his own journey of accepting his three best friends who came out as gay. This later catapulted Andrew in becoming a world-wide speaker at mega-churches, conferences and universities.

Encouraging Music-"The Valley Song" by Jars of Clay

Encouraging Scripture-The blessing of trials

 Okay, everyone who enjoys the trials we go through in life raise your hands.  Hmmm, don't see many hands in the air.  Don't worry, mine isn't either.  I have learned, however, that they is an effective way to approach them.  Instead of lamenting (bible talk for whining) and crying out "Why me?!"  we can ask a better question--what do I need to learn from this?  As we persevere through a trial, we need to figure out how the Lord want to use it (He didn't cause it, but he will find a way to bless us through it) to cause us to grow or what does He want to teach us.  The most important lessons are usually learned through some challenge, some tribulation.  If we embrace that early on, that will only help us get the best out of a difficult situation.

Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial because, having stood the test, that person will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love him.
James 1:12 (NIV) from Bible Gateway

November 23, 2010

Encouraging Words-Bridge Building With Jay Baker

Radio talk show host, Tony Sweet, interviews Jay Bakker, pastor of Revolution Church in NYC about building bridges between the gay community and mainline churches. Jay discusses his journey of going from anti-gay a leading straight advoate for the gay community.

Encouraging Music-"Better Than a Hallelujah" by Amy Grant

Encouraging Scripture-Excel with a little, be ready for bigger things

I recently worked late and showed up at a fast food place that was supposed to be open until 9:00 PM.  It was still several minutes before 9 when I walked up to find the door locked and the two people already well into closing the place down looking at me in terror afraid that I would demand to be served.  As I returned to my car, I thought "with that attitude, that's the type of job you'll be stuck with."  Whether it's our job or our service to God, we need to approach it with our best effort, being faithful to that opportunity before we can expect to earn one greater.  As the Bible teaches us, nothing less than that reflects well on us, nor on our Lord.

“His master replied, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your master’s happiness!’
Matthew 25:21 (NIV) from Bible Gateway

November 22, 2010

Encouraging Words-Bridge Building with Todd Farrell

Radio talk show host, Tony Sweet, interviews Todd Ferrell, President of The Evangelical Network about building bridges between the gay community and mainline churches.

Encouraging Music-"Brokenness" by David Meece

Encouraging Scirpture-God's peace transcends the world's

A critical mistake many of us make it to evaluate the blessings we receive from God through the filter of the world--how do they measure up to what society thinks is worthwhile and valuable.  In today's scripture, Jesus tells us that is doesn't match up because it is so different.  We often think we need a happy marriage, good job, and comfortable wealth to have peace, but that's the world talking, not God.  That's how rich and powerful people can be so miserable and someone with a low-level job can be content.  God's peace is available to everyone, but it's an exclusive offer.  You can't find it anywhere else but through Him.

Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.
John 14:27 (NIV) from Bible Gateway

November 21, 2010

Welcome to Affirming Sunday Worship

If you don't have a welcoming church near you, or you just can't make yourself step into one, we're bringing worship to you. We have listed below links to open and affirming churches that feature live worship music and/or services that have been previously recorded.  We hope you are blessed and take time out of your busy schedule to enter into the Lord's day.

If one of the live feeds we post isn't working (stuff happens, especially during the winter) we hope you will take time to check out a different live broadcast or peruse our selection of pre-recorded services listed below.

If you know of a service we should add to our list, please send an e-mail at encouragementforliving@gmail.com and share it with us.

The list follows the jump:

November 20, 2010

Encouraging Words-The Plans of Our Lives

The Plans of Our Lives: Pete Wilson on Control, Fear, Dreams, and God’s Will from CrosswalkDotCom on Vimeo.

Encouraging Music-"Come to Jesus" by Chris Rice

Encouraging Scripture-It is more blessed to give than receive

I spoke yesterday about a cliche that is wrongly attributed to God.  Here's one that is correct-"It is more blessed to give than receive."  That gets to the core of the heart of Christ.  The most powerful man to ever walk the earth used that power to give to others.  He gave healing, knowledge, and most of all, He gave love.  I don't think you can do anything that more directly shows the love of Christ in your heart than to give to someone less fortunate than you, expecting nothing in return except the joy of helping a fellow human being.

In everything I did, I showed you that by this kind of hard work we must help the weak, remembering the words the Lord Jesus himself said: ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’ ” 
Acts 20:35 (NIV) from Bible Gateway

November 19, 2010

Encouraging Words-"Give It And Get It. Got It?"

One person gives freely, yet grows all the richer; another withholds what they should give, and only suffers want. - Proverbs 11:24

My latest issue of Guitar Player magazine arrived in the mail just as the deadline for this issue drew near. Stuck to the front of the magazine was an advertisement informing me that giving a subscription to a lucky guitarist I know would be the "perfect gift."

The slogan on the ad was: "Give it and get it. Got it?"

Yes, I got it - but not in the way the magazine's editors might have hoped. For me the message was not about giving a gift subscription to a magazine, but about the larger message: If we give it, we get it. I got it.

The message of the passage from Proverbs took on a whole new depth for me. We all know the much parroted, but rarely followed line from the Prayer of St. Francis that tells us that "it is in giving that we receive," but we don't really "get it." Rarely do those words sink so deeply into our souls and hearts that we can't help but live them out.

When we really "get it" - when we understand that if we give freely we grow richer - or if we are stingy we will suffer - then generosity will be like breathing for us. Giving will be a reflexive action - an involuntary response to all the need around us. We really "get it" - that giving is what we have truly been born to do with our lives.

Lest anyone accuse me of preaching a prosperity gospel, let me say up front, when I say those who give freely get richer, I'm not talking about money, and neither is the author of Proverbs. The Hebrew word used here is yacaph, which simply means "to increase" or "to add." The passage tells us that whatever we give will increase - not just those who receive, but the giver as well.

Click here to read the entire essay at Whosoever.org.

Encouraging Music-"Save A Place For Me" by Matthew West

Encouraging Scripture-God helps those who help others

 Have you ever heard someone use the phrase "God helps those who help themselves?"  Funny thing about that; (1) it's not in the Bible and (2) just the opposite is true.  God blesses those who help others.  I can personally testify to that.  I went through a spell in my life before I met Brenda where I wasn't giving much of anything to anyone and struggled mightily financially.  When Brenda and I married, we pledged to tithe regularly and give offerings when possible.  During that time, my salary has over doubled!  Coincidence?  Not really--that's scriptural.

One person gives freely, yet gains even more; another withholds unduly, but comes to poverty. 
Proverbs 11:24 (NIV) from Bible Gateway

November 18, 2010

Encouraging Music-"Back In His Arms Again" by Mark Schultz

Encouraging Scripture-God wants to save us, not condemn us

Far too many preachers stand behind a pulpit and tries to scare people into heaven by threatening them with the wrath and condemnation of God if they don't give up their sinful ways.  That bothers me because it makes God sound like this angry parent who is just waiting for us to slip up so he can lower the boom on us.  That's NOT why He sent Jesus to earth.  He sent Jesus to save us through His death.  If God wanted to condemn us, He didn't need to go to all that trouble to have His son crucified--He could have just left us alone and we would have stumbled into that state easily enough ourselves.  No, God gave us Jesus to save us through His sacrifice, NOT to condemn us.

For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him. 
John 3:17 (NIV) from Bible Gateway

November 17, 2010

Encouraging Words-Receiving Guidance From God (Part 3 of 3)

Encouraging Music-"With All I Am" by Hillsong

Encouraging Scripture-God made the ultimate sacrifice for us

How much would you have to love someone or something to willingly let your child suffer and die to save them?  That's hard to even imagine, isn't it?  Amazingly, the ultimate power in the universe, our God, did just that.  He sent His son Jesus to earth knowing He would be crucified, which is a particularly torturous way of executing someone.  God made that happen so Jesus' life would be held as a payment for our sins and give us a path to enter Heaven.  You don't have to understand how or why that works, just know that it does and that God loves you more than you can imagine.

God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son.
John 3:16 (NIV) from Bible Gateway

November 16, 2010

Encouraging Words-Receiving Guidance From God (Part 2 of 3)

Encouraging Music-"Majesty (Here I Am)" by Delerious?

Encouraging Scripture-People are fickle, God isn't

Entertainers, politicians, and business leaders eventually find out how fickle public opinion is.  When it turns against them, many time they are devastated.  That's because they are drawing their affirmation, their strength, from the wrong source.  David faced that kind of situation when the families of his soldiers had been captured.  The troops didn't take that too well and held David responsible.  When the opinion of others soured on David, he knew where to turn--directly to the Lord, who gave him the strength to get back up and lead his troops in a successful raid to rescue their families.  People will turn on you--that's when you can turn to the Lord and gain a new strength in Him and from Him.

David was greatly distressed because the men were talking of stoning him; each one was bitter in spirit because of his sons and daughters. But David found strength in the LORD his God.
1 Samuel 30:6 (NIV) from Bible Gateway

November 15, 2010

Encouraging Stories-Marissa's Faith

There are times in life when, no matter what you believe, faith is a requirement. Trouble comes and the worst possible news threatens, but hope against hope prevails, transcending evidence or explanation.

For Trista Harris, faith has formed the basis of her life, and it was having her source of faith in God and the mystery of prayer that she believes completely healed her daughter of a life-threatening disease.

When Harris, a Fayette County resident, arrives to talk with her two little ones in tow, she holds a clipboard with typed sheets she’s titled “Marissa’s Faith.” The sheets chronicle a harrowing chain of events that have unfolded since this September in her 5-year-old daughter’s body. One bullet of bad news after another moves down the pages but, as with all stories, it doesn’t end until the last page is read.

Perhaps miraculously, life for the Harris family continues with what to others is a puzzling twist. Little Marissa, by all accounts of the physicians who examined her only weeks ago, should not be playing in the corner with her baby sister like she is today, as if nothing ever happened.

Click here to read the entire story from the Beckly (WV) Register-Herald.