Encouraging Stories-"The Natural" Plays Again

Guideposts has a first-person story from Texas Rangers star Josh Hamilton, who has gone from drug dependancy to playing in the World Series.....

Granny was one of the few people who still believed in me, and I was letting her down. For years I’d wondered when I would hit bottom. Now I knew. You hit bottom when you’ve hurt every last person who loves you.

I went back into my room, and the cold, hard reality of what I’d done hit me. I’d chosen cocaine over everything that gave my life meaning. I chose it over baseball, the sport I was born to play. I chose it over my wife and children, my parents and now my grandmother.

I even chose it over God. I dropped to my knees. Lord, I don’t care if I never play baseball again. Help me get right with my family, and with you, most of all.
It was my first real prayer in a long while. This time I wasn’t trying to make a deal with God. This was me surrendering, throwing myself at his mercy. “Do with me what you want, Lord,” I said.

My eyes fell on the Bible Granny had put in my room. I picked it up and flipped through it. One verse, James 4:7, practically jumped off the page at me: “Humble yourself before God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you.”

I read those lines over and over till they were burned into my memory. Every time I was tempted by cocaine—and that first week going cold turkey was vicious—I repeated that verse: “Humble yourself before God…”

Click here to read the entire story from Guideposts.

Encouraging Words-Faith Gets Better

Encouraging Music-"I Can See" by Lisa Cervantes

Encouraging Scripture-Trust the Lord and find peace

That which we need the most is so hard to find-peace.  In global politics, peace is usually defined as the lack of conflict, but the perfect peace of the Lord is soooooo much more than that.  Don't settle for lack of conflict in your life, seek and find the perfect peace that only Jesus offers.

You keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on you, because he trusts in you.
Isaiah 26:3 (ESV) from Bible Gateway

Encouraging Stories-Offer to fix trashed house is God's work

Retired carpenter Karl Thomsen is a man who likes to lend a helping hand.

After reading about the plight of a woman whose rental property had been trashed, he decided to help her fix it.

On Tuesday The Daily Post ran a story about Alison Stembridge, whose Paradise Valley Rd rental property was left trashed by her former tenants, leaving her with a repair bill of almost $50,000 and the tenants owing $28,000 in back-rent.

An emotional Miss Stembridge said she could hardly think of what to say when she was told about Mr Thomsen's generous offer of free labour to help her repair her property.

"I always say that God works in mysterious ways, but what a lovely man for offering his help.

Click here to read the entire story from The Daily Post in Rotorua, New Zeland.

Encouraging Words-It Gets Better-Sam

Encouraging Music-Song of Love" by Rebecca St. James

Encouraging Scripture-It's not us vs. them, it's just us

We are called to be one body, one people, but it's embarrassing at times to see that the people who are often the most divisive, the most judgmental, the most unforgiving act that way in God's name.  If we're walking with God, we're walking in peace and love.  We're walking side by side, not jockeying for position and status trying to push other people down or just plow right over them.  Let's show one another love, and claim THAT in Jesus name.

Therefore, as God's chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.  Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful.
Colossians 3:12-15 (NIV) from Bible Gateway

Encouraging Stories-Couple still helping Haitians long after earthquake

When an earthquake killed more than 230,000 Haitians in January, many in this country wondered how they could help.

Dan and Sheila Lynch of Marietta didn’t have to wonder. They’d already spent nearly a decade helping Haitian families escape crushing poverty. So with a borrowed plane and other assistance, they flew medical supplies to the Caribbean nation.

But it’s what they tried to bring out of Haiti that made headlines. In a land where thousands had suddenly become orphans, they targeted 22 children whose adoptions already were pending when the earthquake struck Jan. 12.

Today, 20 of those children are with their new parents in the U.S. The Lynches are still keeping track of the other two.

It’s that kind of focus – concentrate on helping a few people – that has guided the couple since they founded God’s Plumbline Ministries 11 years ago. The organization gets its name from the Bible, from the book of Amos, chapter seven: “Then the Lord said, `Look, I am setting a plumbline among my people.’”

Click here to read the entire story from the Atlanta Journal-Constitution.

Encouraging Words-It Gets Better-Jason DeShazo

Encouraging Music-"Hiding Place" by Don Moen

Encouraging Scripture-God generously gives us wisdom

I spent far too many years trying on my own to figure out how to use the gifts God game me.  While acknowledging the source of those gifts, I seldom consulted Him regarding what direction He wanted me to go with them.  That's my bad, because James ! tells us that God is standing by, ready and willing to not just parcel out tiny morsels of His wisdom, but to give it out generously.  When you're unsure or puzzled about the next step to take, check in with the Lord, the greatest source of lasting wisdom.  Don't be shy, He loves us soooo much and wants to help us enjoy the blessings He makes available to us.

If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him. James 1:5 (NIV) from Bible Gateway

Encouraging Stories-Missionaries to present stories of time in Africa

Ask Charlie and Kim Budd what it's like to be missionaries in Ghana and the Lancaster couple could spend an entire afternoon telling you story after inspirational story.

They recall the times where they dug wells for villages without running water or built libraries for children who'd never seen a book before in their life. They can show you pictures of people being baptized in the ocean and children who've received medical care in the United States with the help of they've created.

For the past seven years, the Budds have dedicated their lives to helping others in Africa -- but they say it's the people in Africa who have truly blessed them during that time.

"To see these projects that we've started come to fruition -- the blessing was ours," said Charlie Budd, an ordained pastor.

Click here to read the entire story from the Lancaster (PA) Eagle-Gazette.

Encouraging Words-What Is Grace?

Now then, why do you try to test God by putting on the necks of the disciples a yoke that neither we nor our fathers have been able to bear? No! We believe it is through the grace of our Lord Jesus that we are saved, just as they are."
Acts 15:10-11 (NIV)

I do not set aside the grace of God, for if righteousness could be gained through the law, Christ died for nothing!"
Galatians 2:21 (NIV)

I came into a situation last week that caused me to ponder the meaning of grace, and wouldn't you know it I had just picked up Phillip Yancey's book "What's So Amazing About Grace?"  I love when God does stuff like that.  In the first chapter, Yancey provided the best definition I have found of the word grace in a Christian context--A gift that costs everything for the giver and nothing for the recipient.

That doesn't seem very fair, does it?  Well, that's kind of the point.  Grace is not about being fair, and praise the Lord for that.  If He was being fair, none of us would be seeing heaven since we have all sinned.  By His Grace, though, we are saved through the act of Jesus substituting Himself in payment for our sins.  His grace if sufficient for us all!

When we are in a state of grace, we realize that God's kingdom exists and depends not on our performance (or lack of such) but on Jesus.  We don't have to earn our place in the Kingdom (good thing, because we couldn't), we only have to follow Jesus and receive His give of salvation.

Receiving grace, like receiving forgiveness, is tough though.  We are so used to earning things through our own efforts that it is hard to accept the fact that God's grace is a gift he gives freely to believers.  Who does a crazy thing like giving away the greatest gift in all the universe?  God.

For us to walk fully in grace, though, we need to not just be receivers but also givers.  Like the servant who received the grace of having a large debt forgiven then went and shook down someone who owed him money (Matthew 21:23-35), we miss the full blessing when we are unwilling to demonstrate grace to others.

Are you waiting for someone you are in conflict with to make the first move toward you?  Are you having trouble in your relationship, at your job, allowing anger and resentment to fester inside of you because you're right and it's up to the other person to seek forgiveness?  Then you're missing the point.  The whole concept of grace is that the other person doesn't deserve it.  If you set conditions for someone to meet, then what you are giving them is not grace. 

Jesus didn't set conditions at the cross.  He took the fall for us.  I encourage you this week to take a few steps in His sandals and reach out to someone you would desperately love to slap silly and, instead of giving them what you believe they deserve, cover them with grace.  Pay the price for their transgression like our Lord did for us.  Punishing someone for something they did to you seldom impacts their lives, but through grace showing them the love of Jesus, now THAT can make a difference.

Encouraging Music"I Need to Hear From You" by Petra

Encouraging Scripture-Where Can You Place Your Trust

Trust is a big thing in our lives.  It is something that should be earned and not given easily, but some people are incapable of doing so.  They don't trust anyone, starting with themselves.  I've certainly gone through seasons in my life where I've made a series of mistakes and questioned my ability to trust myself.  I was looking in the wrong place.  The absolute foundation of trust in in God.  Once we learn to trust Him, then we can look toward others and bestow our trust on them.  We may even be able to trust that person looking back at us in the mirror every morning.

Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding.
Proverbs 3:5 (NIV) from Bible Gateway

Encouraging Stories-Helping the poor has shown me the other side of life

Growing up in a large family where her father took under his care both employees and children of the dissident relations, first exposed her to the plight of the poor. Caring and sharing then became a family value that she imbibed as she went along life. It is her firm belief that God gives his blessing to some people so they can be a blessing to others.


So it is only natural that in her adult life, that she should gravitate to a service club, the Ikeja Pearl Lions club where she served and rose through the ranks as secretary, second vice president, and first vice president.

Click here to read the entire story from The Vanguard in Lagos, Nigeria.

Encouraging Words-It Gets Better-Christianity is (slowly) getting better too

Encouraging Music-"Your Love Broke Through" by Keith Green

Encouraging Scripture-You're NOT Wasting Your Time

We all go through cycles where we wonder if we're making a difference.  We can easily feel like we're banging our heads up against an immovable wall trying to accomplish something and think that we should quit wasting our time and just quit.  The Apostle Paul wrote to encourage us to be steadfast, to know that work we are doing for the Lord is not in vain.  God holds us accountable for obedience to His will, but not for the results.  He's more worried about people being faithful in their labors than productive.

Therefore, my dear brothers, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain.
1 Corinthians 15:58 (NIV) from Bible Gateway

Encouraging Stories-Volunteer helps with Tanzanian ministries

In 2004, Gayle Stroschein of Elk Point, S.D. had a “come to Jesus meeting” when she was diagnosed with breast cancer.

“It was such a moment that I quit my job teaching nursing at Briar Cliff and wondered what God’s plan was for me,” she recalled.

She didn’t have to wait long before it was revealed.

Stroschein went on a trip with Siouxland Tanzania Educational Medical Ministries, or S.T.E.M.M., an interdenominational Christian ministry that provides ongoing assistance to needy children in Tanzania.

“I felt blessed to be able to use my skills to help these needy kids,” she said. “I truly felt God was calling me to be a part of S.T.E.M.M.”

Click here to read the whole story from the Sioux City (SD) Journal.

Encouraging Words-It Gets Better-God made you just the way you are

Encouraging Music-"Faith Unashamed" by Shawn Thomas

Encouraging Scripture-Seek Wise Counsel

One of the hardest things we can do is to seek advice from someone.  That can be misdirected pride, thinking no one can have more insight into a situation than we can.  It can also be fear of yielding control by allowing someone else to participate in a decision.  The Bible speaks about that in several places, particularly the Book of Proverbs.  Today's scripture says the willingness to listen to someone separates a wise man from a fool.  Have you heard the old cliche "half of being smart is knowing what you're dumb at?"  Didn't know that was biblical, did you?

The way of a fool seems right to him, but a wise man listens to advice. 
Proverbs 12:15 (NIV) from Bible Gateway

Encouraging Stories-church honors couple who made feeding homeless their mission

In September 1984, Bill Sarrett and four other volunteers began the Soup Kitchen at Church Street United Methodist Church to serve a weekly hot meal to the homeless. At their first meal they served five people.

On Thursday, volunteers at the iconic downtown church celebrated Sarrett and his late wife's memories with the second annual Bill and Fran's Barbecue, during which volunteers served about 400 plates of pork barbecue with all the trimmings.

The Rev. Darryll Rasnake, associate pastor and outreach coordinator at Church Street, said Sarrett, who died in September 2009 after a quarter-century of service, left behind a legacy of giving back to the community that volunteers still follow.

"Bill was one who, when he retired at 65, decided to do this little soup kitchen and did 25 years of volunteer service in his retirement," Rasnake said Thursday. "Many of these volunteers do that same kind of service. The meal is important - it's a good meal - but more importantly, we give compassion and love."

Click here to read the entire story from the Knoxville (TN) News Sentinel

Encouraging Words-It Gets Better - Prof. Stephen Sprinkle

Encouraging Music-"Top of the World" by Bethany Dillon

Encouraging Scripture-Don't Get Distracted

There is so much on around us most days, it is very hard to stay focused.  We can easily get distracted by picking up a gossip magazine or watching a mindless show about celebrities when we could be spending quality time with our family, doing work around the house, helping someone out, or, dare I say it, spending time with the Lord.  I'm not the best in the world at relaxing, but I understand the value of it.  How much time, though, do we spend on worthless things that we would gain much more benefit from spending on something else?

Turn my eyes away from worthless things; preserve my life according to your word.
Psalm 119:37 from Bible Gateway

Encouraging Stories-Losing his sight, helped him see the light

When John Clegg describes himself before Jesus Christ entered his life, he doesn't try to sugar-coat the facts.

Drug addict. Drunkard. Whoremonger.  

"I was basically a 30-year-old pagan," said the pastor of Southside Church of God, to add yet another description of himself. "I used to smoke pot like you breathe air. I had a need for weed."  

As he spoke, he was seated behind the desk in his stark office, the wall at his back adorned with a plain wooden cross that he has never seen, having lost his sight in adulthood to a genetic condition.

Yet, he says it was losing his sight that, figuratively, at least, helped him see the light.

Click here to read the entire story from the Muncie (IN) Star Press

Encouraging Words-IT GETS BETTER: Gene Robinson, Bishop of New Hampshire

Encouraging Music-"Bless the Broken Road" by Rascal Flatts

Encouraging Scripture-With God, all things are possible

In today's scripture, Jesus talks to the disciples about the difficulties a rich man would have entering into heaven.  I believe it is not because he is rich, but it is often because his riches are where is focus is, not God.  Therefore, for those who focus on God, all things are indeed possible.  Don't believe it?  Try it sometime.  In my life, I only reached levels of achievement and financial stability when I looked away from myself and turned my eyes toward Jesus.  With Him, all things are indeed possible!

Then Jesus said to his disciples, "I tell you the truth, it is hard for a rich man to enter the kingdom of heaven. Again I tell you, it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God." When the disciples heard this, they were greatly astonished and asked, "Who then can be saved?" Jesus looked at them and said, "With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible." 
Matthew 19:23-36 (NIV) from Bible Gateway

Encouraging Stories-Freed by Bill Clinton, Saved by Jesus

Three Christians in the past year have drawn attention to North Korea’s repressive regime by crossing the river that divides the Communist nation from China. But unlike activists Robert Park and Aijalon Gomes, who wanted to get arrested, Euna Lee was just trying to do her job: reporting for Current TV on the plight of North Korean defectors. On March 17, 2009, she and fellow journalist Laura Ling were dragged by soldiers across the frozen Tumen River, then separated, interrogated, and imprisoned for five months.

In month four, Lee, a South Korean Christian, began walking and praying seven hours every day. And the walls of Jericho came tumbling down: After mounting pressure from human-rights groups and the intervention of Bill Clinton, the women were sent home on August 4. Days later, Lee was worshiping alongside husband Michael and daughter Hana at The Rock Church in San Diego.

In The World Is Bigger Now (Broadway), Lee recounts her efforts to retain hope and trust in God amid a 12-year prison sentence and threats of never seeing her family again.

Click here to read the entire story from Christianity Today's her.menutics blog.

Encouraging Words-"It Gets Better" Kathy @ CanyonWalker

Encouraging Music-"Hold My Heart" by Tenth Avenue North

Encouraging Scripture-Overflow with hope

Overflow with hope. Boy, isn't that a phrase you don't see every day.  It is so easy for our lives to get bogged down, or to watch the news and see so much violence and people seemingly intent on destroying each other that hope seems an outdated concept, perhaps just a mere fantasy.  Not for those who turn to the God of Hope.  Not only does He bring hope into our lives, the Holy Spirit can provide so much that it is overflowing!  If He can do that, surely there's some hope for you to claim in your life.

May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.
Romans 15:13 (NIV) from Bible Gateway

Encouraging Stories-Pastor draws on personal experiences to help others

Rachel Wickstrom’s message of recovery starts with personal experience.

“I used heavily between (ages) 14 and 24,” the co-pastor of Recovery Church said. “I almost died and had a salvation experience right before my 18th birthday.”

Even after that, Wickstrom wasn’t able to finally overcome her drug addiction for several years.

“I didn’t get the concept of recovery and God together,” said Wickstrom, 54. “I tried recovery without God. I used again. I tried God without understanding addiction and recovery, and I used again. So I put the two together. I coupled those together, and now I have long-term sobriety, and it’s worked.”

Wickstrom’s life is devoted to helping other people put the two together.

Click here to read the entire story from the Duluth (MN) News Tribune.

Encouraging Words-T GETS BETTER: Elder Rev. Kevin E. Taylor (Black, Gay, Christian and Proud!)

Encouraging Music-"Wait and See" by Brandon Heath

Encouraging Scripture-He Is Our Fortress

Not only are there lots of stories of wars in the Bible, there are also many analogies using terms from war.  If you are a Christ-follower, you are engaged in a war with Satan every day.  The good news is that you're on the winning side.  God is steady like a rock, and offers the reinforcement of a fortress as you live your daily life in a world that is often hostile to godly people trying to live godly lives.  Jesus won the war vs. evil, and he doesn't send us into battle to lose either--we have the tools to win when we walk with Him.

Find rest, O my soul, in God alone; my hope comes from him. He alone is my rock and my salvation; he is my fortress, I will not be shaken.
Psalm 62:5-6 (NIV) from Bible Gateway

Encouraging Stories-Volunteers build home for Pelahatchie (Miss.) woman

When a Pelahatchie woman asked for help in finding new housing, people in town spread the word and almost immediately, the construction began.


Within a couple of months a new home had sprung up on Dillard Avenue in Pelahatchie, replacing Peggy Browns old dilapidated home.

"Really I just had to touch myself, I know god has good people on this earth but just to speak a word and then things happen," said Brown as she stared in disbelief.

Brown who is on disability asked for assistance when her home began falling apart, and her neighbors immediately came to help.

"It's wonderful, it's a blessing from the lord and I thank god for these people who have been working, giving, donating and I just can't thank em enough," says Brown.

Click here to read the entire story from he WLBT TV website.

Encouraging Words-It's About Who God Is, Not What He Does

"As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts.
Isaiah 55:9 (NIV)

'Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.'
Matthew 22:37 (NIV)

Do you ever read something that you really knew, but just the way it is said and the timing of your reading it cause it to just explode in your mind, perhaps even your heart?  That happened to me this week as I was reading "Plan B: What Do You Do When God Doesn't Show Up the Way You Thought He Would" by Pete Wilson.  Here's the sentence that jumped off the page and shot me right in the heart:

"Our faith must rest on God's identity, not His activity."

Let that soak in for a moment.  Another way of saying that is we must have faith in God because He's God, not because of what we think he will or want Him to do or has done in our lives.  That's where Isaiah 55:9 comes in.  When we are sitting at home lonely because we do not have a spouse, or we continue in what seems like an endless cycle of unemployment, or we are in chronic pain, it is natural and understandable for our faith to be shaken.  It is also wrong.

When our life hasn't turned out like WE thought it should or we are having problems WE don't think we should have, it is easy to question God.  Why haven't you healed me Lord?  Why am I so lonely Lord?  This is faith based on God's activity.  Isaiah 55:9 reminds us that we will not understand God's ways.  Honestly, if I could figure Him out, I'd probably look for another God--I want Him to be operating at a much higher level than I do.  As a result, He will often remain a mystery this side of Heaven.  If our faith fluctuates based on how pleasing the Lord's actions are to us, we are limiting the impact He can have in our lives, especially during the difficult times when we need Him the most yet our faith would be at it's lowest ebb.

God is always God and he will always love us.  Jesus told us to love Him with all our hearts and minds, and he left out the part about how it was okay to do that more when life was good, and pull back when things weren't going so well.  The Lord never ebbs and flows into our lives, but our faith can.  I would offer that the best way to be steadfast in our faith is to simply remember that Jesus is Lord, God is God, and to worship Him for who He is.  If we have found his recent activity in our lives less than satisfactory, I'm sure He can explain that to us when we are all together in Glory.  For now, know that our circumstances will change, but He won't.  I encourage everyone to keep it simple and focus on the basics--just love and adore Him, for He is God.

Encouraging Music-"Born Again" by Third Day

Encouraging Scripture-The power of the resurrection is available to you

This is an amazing claim, but the Bible teaches us that power that God used to raise Jesus from the dead is also available to us. In today's scripture, Paul tells us this amazing truth, that our Lord makes available the same power and authority that Jesus was able to use in defeating death and rise from His grave.  How awesome is that?  While I wouldn't try resurrecting your friends today, try to comprehend how much power God will use to protect us and bless us.  He's not using leftovers, He's giving it everything He's got!

I pray also that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in the saints, and his incomparably great power for us who believe. That power is like the working of his mighty strength, which he exerted in Christ when he raised him from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly realms,
Ephesians 1:18-20 from Bible Gateway

Encouraging Stories-Right place, right time: Michelle Green called an 'angel'

When Michelle Green looked down at Mike Hammond as she was performing CPR, she hoped and prayed her efforts were helping.

“I said his color is coming back, so we must be doing something right,” she recalled.

Moments earlier, Michelle saw Mike lying underneath his tow truck and a car in the town square parking lot, which wasn’t unusual because of the situation – she was there to move the SarahCare bus and he was an Allen’s tow truck driver hooking up another car that needed to be moved to make way for the Sunday morning farmers’ market.

“Nothing looked out of order, but as I came around the side of the truck and looked down I saw his face was blue,” she recalled.

As they reflect back on the events of Sept. 12, the trio agrees – Michelle was put there by God to help Mike, who had suffered a massive cardiac arrest and needed immediate attention. When he talks about her, he often uses the word “angel.” 

Click here to read the entire story from the Savage, MN Pacer.

Encouraging Words-It Gets Better: Christian & Gay

Encouraging Music-"Breathe" by Michael W. Smith

Encouraging Scripture-Be strong!

Sure, it's easy for some guy on the Internet to declare "Be Strong!", but it's not just me.  The Lord has told us that.  Notice in today's scripture that it not a suggestion or an option--it is a command.  Like everything else He tells us, though, remember that He gives us the ability to follow His command by His presence in our lives.  He doesn't send us out into battle unarmed.  He gives us the weapons and body armor to fight the good fight and win--God never sets us up to fail.  That's something we do pretty well ourselves.

Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go.
Joshua 1:9 (NIV) from Bible Gateway

Encouraging Stories-T.I. credits God for saving suicidal man not himself -- 'I just showed up'

The rapper and actor T.I. is generating headlines over the fact that he prevented a suicidal man from jumping off a building in Atlanta. While everyone is singing the rapper praises for what he accomplished, he wants the public to know that he credits God and not himself for what he was able to do.

As Us Magazine reports, T.I. says of all the positive praise he is receiving: "I'm having a very difficult, hard time taking credit for this. God did all the work. I just showed up. So I can't say it's the most heroic thing that I did. It may have been one of the most spiritual moments that I've had." He went on to say that he felt an inner stirring which prompted him to try to help the man: "Before I could even get out of my driveway, something in my heart just said, 'You gotta help.'"

Click here to read the entire story from the Examiner.com.

Encouraging Words-It Gets Better - For Christian Youth In Ex-Gay Ministries or Therapy

Encouraging Music-"Unfailing Love" by Chris Tomlin

Encouraging Scripture-God shares the wealth

Wealthy people who flaunt their riches but don't share it with others really bother me.  I'm so glad our Lord is just the opposite.  He has more riches in heaven than the entire world combined, and he is yearning to share them with us, His children.  Parents in particular should understand that.  They want to provide the best for their kids, send them to the best colleges, give them all the advantages they can.  God is just like that with us.  He has promised to provide for all our needs.  Don't live in fear of losing what you have, live in confidence of what the Lord will provide!

And my God will meet all your needs according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus.
Phillipians 4:19 (NIV) from Bible Gateway

Encouraging Stories-A warrior who helps others find the strength each day to carry on

I am blessed to have this opportunity to share a glimpse of my cancer journey with others so a woman today learning for the first time she has breast cancer might not feel as alone and scared as she might knowing with God great things are possible. I am blessed to have this opportunity to share with others battling demons perhaps greater than cancer that they too, with God’s help, can overcome whatever they wish and see the day after tomorrow will come.

Click here to read the entire story from the Sarasota Springs, NY The Saratogian.

Encouraging Words-God Is Not a Bully!

Encouraging Music-"Desert Song" by Hillsong

Encouraging Scripture-Don't Sell God Short

In Joel Osteen's book "Now is Your Time," he tells the story of a passenger on a boat who went off to himself every night and just ate cheese and crackers because he brought no money for fancy meals.  He later found out that the meals were included with his ticket at no extra charge.  He had been losing out on good food because he set his expectations too low.  Don't we often do that with God?  Don't we limit our expectations out of fear of being disappointed?  Today's scripture invites us to check Him out, to wall in the fullness of the blessings He is waiting to give us, but we just don't ask for.

Taste and see that the LORD is good; blessed is the man who takes refuge in him.
Psalm 34:8 (NIV) from Bible Gateway

Encouraging Stories-"Breast cancer leads to helping others and finding peace"

I thank God for being with me 24/7. My body has responded to the medicine so well I have gone from mastectomy back to lumpectomy. Everything is disappearing. The cancer found in my spine and pelvic bone has disappeared. The lymph nodes has shrunk from a size eight to a two, and the cancer in my breast is diminishing.

I salute myself for being a Big Girl and knowing it's alright to cry and be sad at times. I know I will survive, and I am a survivor. I thank my church family and friends as well as my personal family for their help, compassion, prayers and love.

But most of all I thank God. I'm giving HIM all the glory to fight this battle.

This experience has led me to help others. I talk to strangers in the mall, grocery stores, and beauty salons, letting them know how important it is to take mammograms every year because early detection is the key. I even stress to men to be checked regularly for prostate cancer. I pass out literature and information about breast cancer.

At first I didn't understand why this happened to me, but I know now it's because I'm anointed to help other people, thus helping me with my recovery.

Click here to read the entire story from the Miami Herald.

Encouraging Words-ARC Ministries says It Gets Better

Along with my wife Brenda, I am proud to serve on the board of directors of a new organization called ARC (Apostolic Rainbow Connections) Ministries. We are reaching out to offer support and encouragement to open and affirming churches and ministries across the U.S. and Canada. That took us to the Dallas-Fort Worth area last weekend, where three of our leaders, Apostle Dale Jarrett, Apostle Susan George, and Pastor Debbie George recorded words of encouragement to the "It Gets Better" campaign against bullying of GLBT people. This is the first of what will be daily "Encouraging Words" posts, and contributions to the "It Gets Better" campaign will be regularly featured here. I hope you are blessed.

Encouraging Music-"You Are Everything" by Matthew West

Encouraging Scripture-Step Out in Faith

Have you ever been around a person who is always expecting the worst?  Cheerful people, aren't they?  The funny thing is, when you live life without faith, the worst often does happen.  Faith is the belief in the unseen.  I used to think that amount to allowing for the possibility that something good might happen, but having a contingency plan if it didn't.  God wants us to live in a confident faith, one that is based not in our belief in ourselves or others, but in Him.  That's something we can believe in and enjoy the blessings that come along with it.

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

Encouraging Music-"I Am" by Mark Schultz

Encouraging Music-"My Savior My God" by Aaron Shust

Encouraging Scripture-It's a process

When we accept Christ as our savior, it's not the end of a process, it's the beginning of one.  There are no short cuts to maturity in Christ, just as there aren't short cuts to developing any relationship, and that at it's heart what Christianity is all about, a relationship with Jesus Christ.  Jesus was a teacher during His ministry on Earth, and the Holy Spirit will teach us and lead us to growth spiritually.  If we mess up, remember it can be a learning experience, not a failure.  God will walk with us through the highs and lows, shaping us toward modeling Christ, the personification of perfection.

being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.
Philippians 1:6 (NIV) from Bible Gateway

Encouraging Music-"Love Song for a Saviour" by Jars of Clay

Encouraging Scripture-Managing expectations

The phrase "manage expectations" is one I use a lot at work, trying to keep management and other users/customers expectations tethered to reality as best I can.  As He does with so many earthly things, God does NOT want us to do that with Him.  Our Lord does not was us to put limitations on Him, and in today's scripture Jesus shows us an example of just how powerful faith can be.  He doesn't often deliver miracles to those who don't believe, but those who do and are walking in his will can have expectations of God going beyond the natural into the supernatural--doing something only He could have done, like restoring the sight of blind men.

As Jesus went on from there, two blind men followed him, calling out, "Have mercy on us, Son of David!"  When he had gone indoors, the blind men came to him, and he asked them, "Do you believe that I am able to do this?"  "Yes, Lord," they replied. Then he touched their eyes and said, "According to your faith will it be done to you"; and their sight was restored.
Matthew 9:27-29a (NIV) from Bible Gateway

Encouraging Music-"Never Alone" by BarlowGirl

Encouraging Scripture-God does not abandon us

I know many of you reading this have been abandoned by a parent or loved one, or know someone who has.  I've dealt with that pain myself.  The feeling of abandonment is one of the worse blows we can take to our self esteem.  It makes us feel like something was wrong with us or else why would the other person leave.  In today's scripture, however, God reminds you that He will NEVER abandon you.  People can move into and out of our lives, but God's presence is constant.  Despite what you may have been told, He loves you unconditionally; that's why there are no conditions placed in this verse.  Own that truth and keep it close to your heart.

Although my father and my mother have forsaken me, yet the Lord will take me up [adopt me as His child]
Psalm 27:10 (Amplified Bible) from Bible Gateway

Encouraging Music-"Grace Like Rain" by Todd Agnew

Encouraging Scripture-The Lord is strongest in our weakness

We've all got our "stuff" that wears us down, and when we get worn down it's harder to think good thoughts and do good things.  This even applied to the Apostle Paul, who wrote this letter to the Corinthians.  He mentioned several times about how he did things he knew was wrong, yet the Lord lifted him up to be one of the fathers of the Christian faith and the most prolific writer of the Bible.  When we're down, struggling, far from our best, that's when God is at His best, giving us the strength to rise up beyond the limitations of our emotions and flesh to do great things in His name.

But he said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ's power may rest on me.
2 Corinthians 12:9 (NIV) from Bible Gateway

Encouraging Music-"Sing His Love" by Cademon's Call

National Coming Out Day

I think it is entirely appropriate to reestablish my ministry focus toward and support for gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender people here today.  We've kept that pretty neutral so far on this blog, but the Lord showed me very clearly that I needed to come back out and focus the encouragement from the Lord we are putting forth here toward those that so often need it the most, the GLBT community. 

Some of you may be aware that I had a blog for several years titled "Straight, Not Narrow."  Well, I still am and want to reaffirm my commitment to showing GLBT people the love and encouragement that God wants so very much to give them. I'm in the process of moving some of the resources we had gathered over there to make them available on this blog.  We'll also be adding some content beyond our daily affirming words and music here very shortly but we will stay faith-based, we're not turning this into a news or politics blog.

If you disagree with this approach, then this blog is not for you and we can part friends.  However, I would encourage you to look at our content first before you make that decision. 

In regards to National Coming Out Day, I would encourage those of you who have lived one life in private and another in public to make a decision to change that.  I know that seems easy for a straight guy to say, but I've learned that we can't enjoy the fullness of life if we are not at peace with ourselves and with God.  I don't see how anyone can live two separate lives and be at peace.  Despite the challenges that coming out might bring, I strongly believe the opportunity to find peace is worth it.

God bless you and I hope Encouragement For Living is a blessing and a resource for you.

Encouraging Music-"No Greater Love" by Rachael Lampa

Encouraging Scripture-We are capable of great things

This passage is, to me, one of the most amazing in the Bible.  Jesus is talking to His disciples telling them they will accomplish greater things than Him.  That must have seemed hard to believe at the time, yet before they had all passed on the Gospel message was well on its way to being spread across much of known civilization at that time.  We are all capable of great things, probably greater than we can conceive.  After all, Jesus' disciples were very ordinary men but look at what they accomplished after Jesus' resurrection! 

I tell you the truth, anyone who has faith in me will do what I have been doing. He will do even greater things than these, because I am going to the Father.

John 14:12 (NIV) from Bible Gateway

Encouraging Music-"Can't Live a Day Without You" by Avalon

Encouraging Scripture-We belong here

We've all had those days where we wonder why we were ever put on this earth, haven't we?  Unfortunately, for some of you those days roll one right into another with no relief.  You constantly wonder what if any purpose you serve by being alive.  While I don't know specifically, I do know that there IS a reason you are here.  God has told us He made us for good works that He prepared us for.  He has equipped us and will train us for our ultimate assignment.  We ALL have a role to play in His plan on Earth.

For we are God's workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.
Ephesians 2:10 (NIV) from Bible Gateway

Encouraging Music-"Amazing Grace (My Chains Are Gone" by Chris Tomlin

Encouraging Scripture-

Today's scripture is taken from the angel's visit to Mary, the mother of Jesus, when he announced that Mary would give birth to the Son of God.  Savor this phrase--nothing is impossible with God.  Nothing!  Out of work looking for a job?  Having relationship or financial problems.  They can be resolved because nothing is impossible with God.  Never, ever lose hope.  Life is never spiraling so far out of control that, if you are walking with the Lord, He can't resolve.

For nothing is impossible with God.
Luke 1:37 (NIV) from Bible Gateway

Encouraging Music-"In the Blink of an Eye" by Mercy Me

Encouraging Scripture-Answer the door

Do you hear someone knocking at the door?  It's Jesus, wanting to connect with you.  He doesn't just want a quick visit either, He wants to sit and have a meal and enjoy fellowship with you.  He is our Heavenly Father, but he wants to be your friend.  They say you can tell a lot about a person by the friends they keep, and nowhere is that more true than when we make Jesus our BFF.

Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with him, and he with me. To him who overcomes, I will give the right to sit with me on my throne, just as I overcame and sat down with my Father on his throne.
Revelation 3:20-21 (NIV) from Bible Gateway

Encouraging Music-"Mercy Came Running" by Phillips, Craig, & Dean

Encouraging Scripture-God's mercy is given, not earned

There are religions that teach how you have to work and earn your way into eternal life, but I believe that goes directly against the Bible.  We see here another reminder that God's mercy is a gift He chooses to bless us with, not something that we earn by completion of certain tasks.  Our Lord is merciful because He decides to be, not because of what we do--takes some of the pressure off living if you ask me.

What then shall we say? Is God unjust? Not at all! For he says to Moses, "I will have mercy on whom I have mercy, and I will have compassion on whom I have compassion. "It does not, therefore, depend on man's desire or effort, but on God's mercy.
Romans 9:14-16 (NIV) from Bible Gateway

Encouraging Music-"Alll Who Are Thirsty" by Kutless

Encouraging Scripture-Lend a hand

One of the primary ways we can live a godly life and reflect the glory of Jesus is to help other people.  Everybody needs a helping hand sometimes.  Surely we can all remember when someone reached out toward us with an act of kindness, helping to prop us up when we were weak.  Let's make sure to return the favor when God presents us with a chance to do so.

We who are strong ought to bear with the failings of the weak and not to please ourselves. ²Each of us should please his neighbor for his good, to build him up.
Romans 15:1-2 (NIV) from Bible Gateway

Encouraging Music-"Lead Me On" by Amy Grant

Encouraging Scripture-Praise the Lord!

When you're down, one of the best ways to bring yourself out of it is to do or say something nice for or about someone.  An excellent choice is to praise the Lord, remembering all of the wonderful things He has done and, more importantly, who He is.  It helps us put things negativity in its proper perspective when we remember how great our God is!

Praise the LORD. I will extol the LORD with all my heart in the council of the upright and in the assembly. Great are the works of the LORD; they are pondered by all who delight in them. Glorious and majestic are his deeds,  and his righteousness endures forever. 
Psalm 111:1-3 (NIV) from Bible Gateway

Encouraging Music-"Held" by Natalie Grant

Encouraging Scripture-We are free!

I've heard plenty of people complain about how following Jesus would put a crimp in their lifestyle because of things they would have to give up or stop doing.  What they miss is that they are in bondage to those things that satisfy the flesh for the short-term, but leave our soul yearning for more.  God has set us free, we aren't beholden to things that don't build up our soul.  We are free to follow Him and experience the joy of the redeemed.

It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery. 
Galatiens 5:1 (NIV) from Bible Gateway

Encouraging Music-"You Raise Me Up" by Celtic Woman

Encouraging Scripture-Talk is cheap

If you read the Bible and just see words on a page, you are missing the point.  Those words, taken in our heart, can unleash a power beyond anything this world can offer.  God didn't just send us nice stories to tell people, He has equipped us with His word to give us power, enough that you and I can change the world!

For the kingdom of God is not a matter of talk but of power.
1 Corinthians 4:20 (NIV) from Bible Gateway

Encouraging Music-"This is How We Overcome" by Hillsong

Encouraging Scripture-

Sometimes we get frustrated with things in our life and cry out to God "I just don't understand why ______." According to today's scripture, we're not always going to.  When I think about it, I'm very glad the Lord is operating on a different plane that I am.  I've made too many mistakes in my life--I want to think, since He's got the ultimate power, that He will use it and direct my life a LOT better than I would left to my own devices.

"For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways," declares the LORD. "As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts.
Isaiah 55:8 (NIV) from Bible Gateway