September 30, 2010

Encouraging Music-"Shout to the Lord" by the 2008 cast of American Idol

Encouraging Scripture-A path that leads to victory

God has a game plan for our lives, and unlike your favorite football coach, He can guarantee us victory if we follow it.  We just need to seek it.

This is love for God: to obey his commands. And his commands are not burdensome, for everyone born of God overcomes the world. This is the victory that has overcome the world, even our faith.
1 John 5:3-4 (NIV) from Bible Gateway

September 29, 2010

Encouraging Music-"Who Am I" by Casting Crowns

Encouraging Scripture-God is love

Although no one can live up to the standards of God, it's not that difficult to exhibit God-like qualities.  It starts with love.  Very simple, yet very powerful.  We can't walk with God if we don't walk in love, but when we walk in love He walks with us.

Beloved, let us love one another, for love is from God, and whoever loves has been born of God and knows God. Anyone who does not love does not know God, because God is love. 1 John 4:6 (ESV) from Bible Gateway

September 28, 2010

Encouraging Music-"He Will Carry You" by Scott Wesley Brown

Encouraging Scripture-An anchor of hope

God is all powerful, but there is something he can not do--lie. When people have not done what they said they would and broken promises, you can know that you can turn toward the Lord, and He will be absolutely true to His word.

by two unchangeable things in which it is impossible for God to lie, we who have fled to take hold of the hope offered to us may be greatly encouraged. We have this hope as an anchor for the soul, firm and secure.
Hebrews 6:18-19 (NIV) from Bible Gateway

September 27, 2010

Encouraging Music-"He Reigns" by The Newsboys

Encouraging Scripture-God is near

Do you ever feel that God is distant, that you're not connected to Him.  That's on us, not Him.  He has promised he would always be with us, but today's scripture reminds us that we need to reach out to Him.  When we do, He is already there reaching back.

Come near to God and he will come near to you.
James 4:8 (NIV) from Bible Gateway

September 26, 2010

Encouraging Music-"God of Wonders" by Third Day

Encouraging Scripture-

Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good. His love endures forever.
Psalm 136:1 (NIV) from Bible Gateway

Our God is not a vengeful God.  He is not waiting for you to slip up so he can throw a bolt of lightning down from heaven and zap you.  He is good.  He loves us, and has promised to do so forever.  I don't know about you, but I can't think of a better reason to get up in the morning and face another day.

September 25, 2010

Encouraging Music-"He is Exhalted" by Twila Paris

Encouraging Scripture-Take time to regroup

Even youths shall faint and grow weary, and young men shall fall exhausted; but they who wait for the LORD shall renew their strength. They shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary, they shall walk and not faint.
Isaiah 40:30-31 (ESV) from Bible Gateway

We all have times when we feel like a dog chasing his own tail and not doing anything but tiring ourselves out.  This passage encourages us to stop, rest, and wait for direction from the Lord.  While we gather our strength, He will show us a path where we won't be running in circles, we'll be soaring like eagles.  He won't tackle us on the run to do that however, we have to slow down, receive, regroup, and restart.

September 24, 2010

Encouraging Music-"Shout to the North" by Delerious

Encouraging Scirpture-He has felt our pain

For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are—yet was without sin. Let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.
Hebrews 4:15-16 (NIV) from Bible Gateway

When we talk about the unlimited power and knowledge of God, it is easy to forget that he has walked a mile in our sandals.  When His son Jesus lived on Earth, he was hungry, he felt pain, he was tired--he felt all of the things we feel in our everyday lives.  He gets it.  When we mess up, we can approach Him not just as the omnipotent Lord of the universe, we can go to Him as someone who has felt our pain and will forgive, not condemns us.

September 23, 2010

Encouraging Music-"My God Is Real" by Sandy Patty & Jessy Dixon

Encouraging Scripture-Some things never change

Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.
Hebrews 12:8 (NIV) from Bible Gateway

Life is full of change, isn't it?  Our favorite restaurant closes, our favorite TV show goes off the air, a loved one passes away, kids grow up, jobs change, neighbors move away...the list could go on and on.  One thing doesn't change-the most important thing in our life-our Lord and Savior.  Jesus is the truest model of consistency.  His love is part of that--it never fades, never changes.  It is constant because he is constant.

September 22, 2010

Encouraging Music-"Praise the Lord" by Russ Taff

Encouraging Scripture-God can give us tough love

And you have forgotten that word of encouragement that addresses you as sons:
   "My son, do not make light of the Lord's discipline, and do not lose heart when he rebukes you, because the Lord disciplines those he loves, and he punishes everyone he accepts as a son."

Hebrews 12:5-6 (NIV) from Bible Gateway

God really does love us too much to leave us like we are.  He will allow bad things to happen to us, usually as the consequences of decisions we made without His input, so we can learn, repent, and be a better person and gain more understanding of what He wants for us and from us.  Pain now will be gain later if we seek Him in the process.

September 21, 2010

Encouraging Music-"Everlasting God" by Lincoln Brewster

Encouraging Scripture-We are complete

you have been given fullness in Christ, who is the head over every power and authority
Colossians 2:10 (NIV) from Bible Gateway

Ever feel like there's something missing in your life?  There may very well be, but if you walk with the Lord you've already received the greatest blessing you could ever have--the fullness of Christ.  A short explanation of that would be that the Holy Spirit leads us to fulfillment, and He gives us direct access to God, the ultimate authority in the universe.  We'll still have problems and challenges in our lives, but we'll never lack the ability to find peace and happiness carrying around the Holy Spirit in our hearts and souls.

September 20, 2010

Encouraging Music-"Healing Rain" by Michael W. Smith

Encouraging Scripture-God is our real boss.

Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men, 24since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving. 25Anyone who does wrong will be repaid for his wrong, and there is no favoritism.
Colossians 3:23-25 (NIV) from Bible Gateway

I had a frustrating moment at work recently and, while I had a rare moment to myself in my office, I clearly heard the Lord say, "You work for me."  I'm generally happy with my job, but in those moments when I'm frustrated, disillusioned, or fighting some other negative emotion, it's good to remember that the home office is actually in Heaven, the big boss is God, and He'll work everything out as it should be.

September 19, 2010

Encouraging Music-"One Day At a Time" by Jeremy Camp

Encouraging Scripture-We're too important to God to worry

Then Jesus said to his disciples: "Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat; or about your body, what you will wear. Life is more than food, and the body more than clothes. Consider the ravens: They do not sow or reap, they have no storeroom or barn; yet God feeds them. And how much more valuable you are than birds! 
Luke 12:22-24 (NIV) from Bible Gateway

I can't swear to this, but I don't think birds are sweating out the status of their 401(k) or concerned about getting their next promotion within the flock.  They seem to make out fine, though-if you consider eating worms and hanging out on telephone lines fine.  God does, that's what he made them to do.  He made us for a specific purpose too, but since He takes care of the birds and we are made in His image, we should be more like the birds and not spend a lot of time worrying.

September 18, 2010

Encouraging Music-"You Get Me" by ZOEgirl

Encouraging Scripture-The desires of your heart

I think people often miss the point of this scripture, I did for a long time.  This does not tell us that God will fulfill any wish list we make up and present to Him.  If we are walking with Him, He will fill our hearts with desire of the things He wants us to have.  Instead of lusting after material possessions, God will lead us toward ways we can give and receive love, putting others before ourselves, and glorifying Him in the process.  As we draw closer to Him, He changes our hearts to desire what He stands ready to bless us with and find true fulfillment from.

Delight yourself in the LORD and he will give you the desires of your heart.
Psalm 37:4 (NIV) from Bible Gateway

September 17, 2010

Encouraging Music-"You Never Let Go" by Matt Redman

Encouraging Scripture-Faith is not tangible, but it is necessary

Keep the faith.  Easier said than done, because faith is intangible.  By definition, it is unseen.  You can't prove faith, you just have to know that you know it.  The information age we live in aggressively discourages that, relying more on tangible data to make decisions and chart paths for people, corporations, nations, even churches.  While God doesn't want us to turn our minds off, he wants us to expand into the unseen, the unknown.  That's when we have to rely on Him rather than the latest news report or a spreadsheet.  That's where He really blesses our socks off.

Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see.
Hebrews 11:1 (NIV) from Bible Gateway

September 16, 2010

Encouraging Music-"Always" by Building 429

Encouraging Scripture-We don't work alone

Haggai didn't play a big role in the Bible, but in this scripture was something I really like, an encourager.  He was essentially rallying the troops to rebuild the temple in Jerusalem.  It seemed to be an insurmountable task, beyond their resources to complete, but Haggai encouraged the leaders not by some motivational trick, but by assurance that the Lord was with them.  I know this is an important lesson for me--sometimes I feel like I'm stuck on an island and don't have the help I need to accomplish what I am responsible for.  That's wrong-God is always there with me, guiding me and giving me strength if I just remember to tap into it.

But now be strong, O Zerubbabel,' declares the LORD. 'Be strong, O Joshua son of Jehozadak, the high priest. Be strong, all you people of the land,' declares the LORD, 'and work. For I am with you,' declares the LORD Almighty.
Haggai 2:4 (NIV) from Bible Gateway

September 15, 2010

Encouraging Music-"Bridge Over Troubled Water" by Clay Aiken

Encouraging Scripouture-God CHOSE to give you grace

God chose to love you and give you His grace.  It doesn't matter what you've done, you can still turn to Him and he will give you those gifts freely because he chooses to.  It's never too late for your life to be redeemed by Jesus. 

for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus.
Romans 3:23-24 (NIV) from Bible Gateway

September 14, 2010

Encouraging Music-"Mighty to Save" by Hillsong

Encouraging Scripture-A strong tower

Just like soldiers who can retreat to their base to become refortified, so can Christians retreat to the Lord.  He is our strong tower who gives us strength when we are under attack, be it physical, emotional, or spiritual.

The name of the LORD is a strong tower; the righteous run to it and are safe.
Proverbs 18:10 (NIV) from Bible Gateway

September 13, 2010

Encouraging Music-"I Am a New Creation" by Sarah Sadler

Encouraging Scripture-We can be swift and strong

Legendary football coach Vince Lombardi is credited with several legendary quotes.  One of them that I have found so true is "fatigue makes cowards of us all."  When we feel weary, everything becomes more difficult and we just don't engage life like we normally would.  I know this is one of my biggest challenges as it is for many like me that are on the high-side of 50 years old.  The Bible tells us that we shouldn't worry about this because the Lord will make us strong and fast and will take us to great heights.  If your struggling today, hold onto this scripture and carry it in your heart today.

The LORD gives me strength. He makes my feet as sure as those of a deer, and he helps me stand on the mountains.
Habakkuk 3:19 (CEV) from Bible Gateway

September 12, 2010

Encouraging Music-"God With Us" by Mercy Me

Encouraging Scripture-Never be hungry or thirsty again

There's physical hunger and thirst that need to be met, but there's also a spiritual hunger and thirst that we are born with, seeking something greater than themselves.  People have taken some creative, sometimes downright weird paths to fulfill that hunger and thirst, but Christians shouldn't have that problem,  Our path is clearly laid out for us--Jesus Christ.  If you are still seeking, stop and find Jesus-he's waiting for you with open arms.

Then Jesus declared, "I am the bread of life. He who comes to me will never go hungry, and he who believes in me will never be thirsty.
John 6:35 (NIV) from Bible Gateway

September 11, 2010

Encouraging Music-"God Bless the USA" by Lee Greenwood

9/11/01 taught Americans not to take anything for granted ever again. I encourage you to take a moment today to remember those who lost their lives on that date and how the Lord has blessed us since then.

Encouraging Scripture-A stronghold is the day of trouble

When I think back on the events of 9/11/01, I remember that the following Sunday churches were packed.  People were seeking comfort, seeking answers, seeking peace.  They were in the right place, but many of them didn't hang around long enough to find it.  I remember how scared I was that day, especially living so close to Washington, DC and having co-workers in the Pentagon when it was hit (fortunately none of them were injured). Like much of America, I stayed scared because I did not have a strong walk with the Lord then.  If I had, I would have realized that He is my stronghold despite what any person or nation does.  In times that continue to be very turbulent, isn't knowing the Lord more important than ever?  Has was He offers us ever been more important?

The LORD is good, a refuge in times of trouble. He cares for those who trust in him
Nahum 1:7 (NIV) from Bible Gateway

September 10, 2010

Encouraging Music-"I Am a Friend of God" by Phillips, Craig & Dean

Encouraging Scripture-We don't have to earn God's mercy

Are you ever afraid you aren't good enough to receive God's mercy?  Do you think you have to "step up your game" to earn God's favor?  The good news is that you don't because you can't.  There are no works anyone can do to earn the Lord's mercy, so we're all in the same boat. Thanks to Jesus' sacrifice we are forgiven for falling short and have a path to eternal fellowship with him.

he saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy. He saved us through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit,
Titus 3:5 (NIV) from Bible Gateway

September 9, 2010

Encouraging Music-"How Great Is Our God" by Chris Tomlin

Encouraging Scripture-We are equipped for battle

God wants us to promote peace, but he didn't make us to be anybody's whipping boys either.  If it feels like we are going into battle unarmed, that's our own fault.  We have the armor of God and the strength provided by His Word and the Holy Spirit, weapons that are greater than any man can use against us!

Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil's schemes.
Ephesians 6:10-11 (NIV) from Bible Gateway

September 8, 2010

Encouraging Music-"Jesus Take the Wheel" by Carrie Underwood

Encouraging Scripture-Make the choice to trust God

Trust is something that is earned, that we make a decision to give to someone.  Our Lord has certainly earned our trust, but are we really willing to give it to him?  We're better off if we do.  If David hadn't trusted the Lord, he probably doesn't have the courage to take on Goliath with a mere slingshot, and the Old Testament would have been a lot shorter.  What accomplishments are we missing because we haven't made the choice to trust God?

When I am afraid, I will trust in you.  In God, whose word I praise, in God I trust; I will not be afraid.What can mortal man do to me?
Psalm 56:3-4 (NIV) from Bible Gateway

September 7, 2010

Encouraging Music-"Testify to Love" by Avalon

Encouraging Scripture-If God wants it to happen, it will happen!

When we're constantly faced with situations in our life that are out of our control, it is easy to think that no one has any control over the course of events in this world.  Fortunately, our Lord does.  Many things are allowed to happen as the consequence of sin, but God is still the sovreign Lord of this world.  If something is within His will, it will come to pass.  Of course, His timetable may be a bit different than ours.

For the LORD Almighty has purposed, and who can thwart him? His hand is stretched out, and who can turn it back?
Isaiah 14:27 (NIV) from Bible Gateway

September 6, 2010

Encouraging Music-"His Strength Is Perfect" by Steven Curtis Chapman

Encouraging Scripture-Through Christ, we can all get along

My job has introduced me to a very diverse workplace with people from many cultures all over the world.  Sometimes that makes it difficult to connect because it is hard to find commonality, which I believe is the foundation of any good relationship.  When we share Christ's love, however, there can be no better base on which to build a close and lasting friendship, regardless of where people are from or how they were raised.

But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus, his Son, purifies us from all sin.
1 John 1:7 (NIV) from Bible Gateway

September 5, 2010

Encouraging Music-"Let Go" by Dewayne Woods

Encouraging Scripture-Jesus can relate to our problems

I know I've caught myself saying some form of "but nobody understands what I'm going through" and I'll bet you've said that too at some point.  Wrong!  Our Lord and Savior walked the Earth as a flesh-and-blood person and knows what it's like to be hungry and tired.  He knows what temptation feels like.  He knows how to die.  With that understanding, he can relate to anything going on in our lives.

Therefore he had to be made like his brothers in every respect, so that he might become a merciful and faithful high priest in the service of God, to make propitiation for the sins of the people. For because he himself has suffered when tempted, he is able to help those who are being tempted.
Hebrews 2:17-18 (ESV) from Bible Gateway

September 4, 2010

Encouraging Music-"Walk on the Water" by Britt Nicole

Encouraging Scripture-Stop and Smell the Roses

I bet you didn't know that phrase came from the Bible.  Well, it did, kind of.  Roses are but one of God's beautiful creations.  I know I've been blessed since I met Brenda by her ability to slow me down enough to soak in some of nature's beauty.  We have plenty of it in Maryland-mountains, beaches, rolling green pastures, etc.  God put all of that here for us to enjoy, so don't miss out like I did for so many years.

Hear this, O Job; stop and consider the wondrous works of God.
Job 37:14 (ESV) from Bible Gateway

September 3, 2010

Encouraging Music-"Rest In Me" by Todd Vaters

Encouraging Scripture-Wisdom is worth more than gold

You may be shaking your head reading that title, but the Bible tells us that is true.  Wisdom, which we receive from God, points us closer to Him.  Gold/riches often takes our focus away from Him, directing it more toward our worldly possessions.  Don't allow yourself to be judged inferior by the size of your bank account because that's NOT the standard our Lord uses.

How much better to get wisdom than gold, to choose understanding rather than silver!
Proverbs 16:16 (NIV) from Bible Gateway

September 2, 2010

Encouraging Music-"You're Not Alone" by Meredith Andrews

Encouraging Scripture-Need to get away? It's okay, so did Jesus

It is so easy to get caught up in the flurry of activity around us, and I'm just as guilty of that as anyone.  Jesus obviously had a lot to do and a relatively short time to do it, yet He took time out to recharge spiritually by spending some alone, quiet time with His Father.  How can we really think we can get away with any less?

But Jesus often withdrew to lonely places and prayed.  
Luke 5:16 (NIV) from Bible Gateway

September 1, 2010

Encouraging Music-"What Faith Can Do" by Kutless

Encouraging Scripture-Only God can pull us out of the fire

The story of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed Nego in the book of Daniel is, pardon the pun, very cool.  Those three were banished to burn in a furnace, but God honored their faith by protecting them from the flames.  He can do the same thing in our lives, whether they are real flames or we feel ourselves being in other types of fire.

If we are thrown into the blazing furnace, the God we serve is able to save us from it, and he will rescue us from your hand, O king. (NIV)
Daniel 3:17  from Bible Gateway