Category Archives: Encouragement

Are We Ready To Listen??? A Word from THE WORD!!! #228

10 Monday Jun 2024

Posted by in Abiding In Jesus, Choices And Consequences, Confidence, Encouragement, Jesus Is The Only Way!, The Word

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Are We Ready To Listen??? A Word from THE WORD!!! #228

“Come, ye children,

hearken unto me:

I will teach you

the fear of the LORD.”  Psalm 34:11

I’ve been a bit negligent in writing this past week, we have had some family things going on, as well as some travel, so I have a few things to share this morning, and it’s good to be back with you.  As you know, we all have things that confront us and sometimes we just aren’t sure what to do with them, how to deal with them, which way to go, or how to respond.  So, this morning, I want to share a few thoughts with you about seeking God for the answers, but even more importantly, listening to God when He answers; sometimes it’s a challenge to discern the voice of our Lord—for we do have an enemy who is ever throwing suggestions our way trying to trip us up (and believe me, I’ve done my share, and then some, of falling [literally] for his lies”!)

We must remember that we live in a fallen world, affected by a real enemy, “the great dragon … that old serpent, called the Devil, and Satan, which deceiveth the whole world”!  He is alive and well and on our trail. We must pay attention; we must dig into God’s Word so that we will recognize his lies.  We must know truth, so we won’t be a prey, subject to fall for his lies.

“Casting all your care upon him;

for he careth for you.

8 Be sober,

be vigilant;

because your adversary the devil,

as a roaring lion,

walketh about,

seeking whom he may devour:

9 Whom resist stedfast in the faith,

knowing that the same afflictions

are accomplished in your brethren

that are in the world.”  1 Peter 5:7-9

 Satan wants to isolate you, so we must be sure to stay in The Word, in fellowship with God’s people, in order that we may “withstand in the evil day”, and my friends, that day is here!  That makes it imperative that we hear the voice of our Lord via the work, power and directing of His Holy Spirit!  God is leading, it is up to us to consciously, diligently, and faithfully follow the voice of our King, remembering that we are not alone!  Solomon left us some good advice!

“Two are better than one;

because they have a good reward for their labour.

10 For if they fall,

the one will lift up his fellow:

but woe to him that is alone when he falleth;

for he hath not another to help him up.

11 Again, if two lie together,

then they have heat:

but how can one be warm

alone?

12 And if one prevail against him,

two shall withstand him;

and a threefold cord

 is not quickly broken.”  Ecclesiastes 4:9-12

“O give thanks unto the LORD;

call upon his name:

make known his deeds among the people.

2 Sing unto him,

sing psalms unto him:

talk ye of all his wondrous works.

3 Glory ye in his holy name:

let the heart of them rejoice that seek the LORD.

4 Seek the LORD,

and his strength:

seek his face evermore.”  Psalm 105:1-4

Are you facing trials, disappointment (and these days we could almost say, who’s not disappointed) but remember when the enemy flaunts “dis”appointment” in your face, that God is in charge, and HE is working “His”appointment” for you!  Only in Jesus are we made righteous/good (See 2 Corinthians 5:17-21)!

“The steps of a good man

are ordered by the LORD:

and he delighteth

in his way.

24 Though he fall,

he shall not be utterly cast down:

for the LORD upholdeth him

with his hand.”  Psalm 37:23-24

 While this is a relatively brief word this morning, I think it important for us to remember that our God reigns! He will lead us through our uncertainty, if we will but heed His Word and the leading of His Holy Spirit. We can rely upon The Word, wise counsel, and our circumstances, and respond biblically!

I’d like to share one of my go-to passages that speaks wonders to my heart whenever I am in need, when I am confused, discouraged, or even totally exhausted from life—our God reigns.  Remember friends, that we who belong to Jesus are the bride/wife, we must listen and heed to be  ready?  The bride groom cometh!

“And a voice came out of the throne, saying,

Praise our God,

all ye his servants,

and ye that fear him,

both small and great.

6 And I heard as it were

 the voice of a great multitude,

and as the voice of many waters,

and as the voice of mighty thunderings, saying,

Alleluia:

for the Lord God omnipotent reigneth.

7 Let us be glad and rejoice,

and give honour to him:

for the marriage of the Lamb is come,

and his wife hath made herself ready.”  Revelation 19:5-7

Are you ready?  Are your wedding garments pure?  Look up, our redemption is near!  Remember by friend, we win!  Note that when we “Delight thyself also in the LORD”, we will desire the right things, and HE will provide!  Here’s the Psalm:

“Trust in the LORD,

and do good;

so shalt thou dwell in the land,

and verily thou shalt be fed.

4 Delight thyself also in the LORD;

and he shall give thee the desires of thine heart.

5 Commit thy way unto the LORD;

trust also in him;

and he shall bring it to pass.

6 And he shall bring forth thy righteousness

as the light,

and thy judgment

as the noonday.

7 Rest in the LORD, and wait patiently for him:

fret not thyself

because of him who prospereth in his way,

because of the man who bringeth

wicked devices to pass.

8 Cease from anger, and forsake wrath:

fret not thyself in any wise to do evil.”  Psalm 37:3-8

May God comfort, guide and lead you into all truth!  He will if we will but heed His voice!

Amen and Amen!!!

A Friday Smile??? A Word from THE WORD!!! #216

03 Friday May 2024

Posted by in 'Come unto me, Comfort, Commitment Or Convenience, Encouragement, Joy, Joy Is Contagious!, Joy of The Lord!, Joy To The World?, Longsuffering, Look up and Praise The Lord, Looking Unto Jesus, Looking up Or around?, Time Is Grace!, Trials, Tried by FIRE!, Trusting God, Trusting Jesus?

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A Friday Smile??? A Word from THE WORD!!! #216

Just a few scriptures to hopefully brighten your day and perhaps lift your load for a bit.  Here in Oklahoma we’ve been inundated with rain and abundant and often deadly and destructive storms and tornados; please pray for those around us who have lost so much, some everything (and if you’re not aware look up Sulpher, OK on the internet and see the devastation—a whole town wiped out overnight, and they’re one of several towns in such dire straits.). So, I thought it might be a good time to just rehearse the goodness and faithful blessings of our Lord!  And on more fronts that one, we know that our God has and will take care of His own, including the land of Israel, even if the world disagrees!

“When the LORD turned again the captivity of Zion,

we were like them that dream.

Then was our mouth filled with laughter,

and our tongue with singing:

then said they among the heathen,

The LORD hath done great things for them.

3 The LORD hath done great things for us;

whereof we are glad.

4 Turn again our captivity, O LORD,

as the streams in the south.

5 They that sow in tears

shall reap in joy.

6 He that goeth forth and weepeth,

bearing precious seed,

shall doubtless come again with rejoicing,

bringing his sheaves with him.” Psalm 126:1-6

A lost and dying world is watching to see if Christians really live what they talk about!  We will either shine for Jesus or lose the opportunity to bring glory to our God!

“A merry heart doeth good

like a medicine:

but a broken spirit

drieth the bones.”   Proverbs 17:22

Let’s spread some smiles around—not fakey pretend that you’re glad for difficult circumstances, but the joy of the Lord that brings joy from the inside out!  Let’s share both our resources and our godly spirit of joy as we go about each day—rain or shine.  Even as Nehemiah encouraged the people of Israel as they rebuilt during trying circumstances, let’s keep our eyes on the prize not the price!  After all Jesus gave the ultimate price for our salvation, His life’s blood!

“Then he said unto them,

Go your way,

eat the fat,

and drink the sweet,

and send portions unto them

for whom nothing is prepared:

for this day is holy unto our Lord:

neither be ye sorry;

 for the joy of the LORD is your strength.”  Nehemiah 8:10

Satan can rain on my parade, or cast rocks at my windows, he can even rob me of earthly possessions—but he can never steal my “joy of the LORD” when I keep my eyes on the prize—Jesus!

“But if we walk in the light,

as he is in the light,

we have fellowship one with another,

and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son

cleanseth us from all sin.”  1 John 1:7

Let us walk in the light of our Lord Jesus, The Light of the world!  When we stay focused on Jesus no one or no thing can rob us of our joy and peace—that which comes from God for He has placed it in our heart (See Romans 5:1-11). So let’s determine to keep that smile which comes out of that very “joy of the LORD”!

“Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about

with so great a cloud of witnesses,

let us lay aside every weight,

and the sin which doth so easily beset us,

and let us run with patience

the race that is set before us,

2 Looking unto Jesus

the author and finisher of our faith;

who for the joy that was set before him

endured the cross,

despising the shame,

and is set down at the right hand

of the throne of God.

3 For consider him that endured

such contradiction of sinners against himself,

lest ye be wearied

and faint in your minds.” Hebrews 12:1-3

And in closing one of my favorite reminders!

“I press toward the mark

for the prize of the high calling of God

in Christ Jesus.”  Philippians 3:14

Smile and press on my friends, for in Jesus we win!!!  Remember:

“Ye are of God, little children,

and have overcome them:

because greater is he that is in you,

than he that is in the world.”  1 John 4:4

Amen and Amen!!!

Jesus Is Here For YOU!!! A Word from THE WORD!!! #200

22 Friday Mar 2024

Posted by in 'Come unto me, All About Jesus!, Believe God?, Born Again, Changed Lives, Choices And Consequences, Choose you this day?, Come to Jesus, Comfort, Confidence, Conformed or Transformed?, Consider Your ways, Contentedness, Contentment, Courage, Dependence, Encouragement, Eyes that SEE HIM, Faithful is He that has Promised!, Faithfulness, Following Jesus or the World?, God Knows His Own, God's Faithfulness, God's grace is sufficient...always!, God's Mercies Are New every morning..., Great is Thy Faithfulness, You can overcome

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Jesus Is Here For YOU!!!   A Word from THE WORD!!! #200

Jesus really cares for you; He has cared for me and my family for many years, and my parents before me, and a grandmother, whom I never knew (because she died when my mother was young), but whose testimony of serving Jesus lives on in the stories of her work for The King.  And I pray that my service and ministry will live on in those God has touched through our service to The King for many years.

I want to share some truth from scripture to remind you that Jesus loves you, He cares for you, and He has promised to carry those burdens with you; and while He doesn’t always take them away, HE will “always walk with us” through them.

“Come unto me,

all ye that labour

and are heavy laden,

and I will give you rest.

29 Take my yoke upon you,

and learn of me;  

for I am meek and lowly in heart:

and ye shall find rest unto your souls.

30 For my yoke is easy,

and my burden is light.”  Matthew 11:28-30

This Good Shepherd came to give us life, and to bring fulfillment of the New Covenant of the indwelling Holy Spirit who leads us into truth, grace, and gives us the power to live for Jesus; to be overcomers!  Jesus loves you so much that He shed His blood for your sin and mine.  Won’t you “Come unto” HIM?

“Then said Jesus unto them again,

Verily, verily, I say unto you,

I am the door of the sheep.

8 All that ever came before me

are thieves

and robbers:

but the sheep did not hear them.

9 I am the door:

by me

if any man enter in,

he shall be saved,

and shall go in and out,

and find pasture.

10 The thief cometh not,

but for to steal,

and to kill,

and to destroy:

I am come

that they might have life,

and that they might have it more abundantly.

11 I am the good shepherd:

the good shepherd giveth his life

for the sheep.”  John 10:7-11

Jesus, The Great I Am, came to be the God-man Savior of all who would repent of sin, believe, and receive His substitutionary, atoning sacrifice for sin.  It’s why Jesus came, and who He declared Himself to be! (I encourage you to read all of John 10, an amazing chapter of truth and the proclamation of who Jesus was, is and ever shall be.  Yet they tried to kill Him for saying it.)

“My sheep hear my voice,

and I know them,

and they follow me:

28 And I give unto them eternal life;

and they shall never perish,

neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand.

29 My Father, which gave them me,

is greater than all;

and no man is able to pluck them out

of my Father’s hand.

30 I and my Father are one.”  John 10:27-30

If you are one of Jesus’ sheep, won’t you take His yoke and walk “with Him” instead of alone.  Jesus never called us to walk alone, and He said he would never leave us—stop letting Satan lead you away from His yoke and His loving arms of comfort, grace, strength, and wisdom.

“Let your conversation

be without covetousness;

and be content

with such things as ye have:

for he hath said,

I will never leave thee,

nor forsake thee.

 6 So that we may boldly say,

The Lord is my helper,

and I will not fear

what man shall do unto me.”  Hebrews 13:5-6                          (And remember that “conversation” means lifestyle.)

If you’re not one of His own, I invite you to call upon Him today in repentance (turning away from sin) and faith (turning to Jesus) in His payment of your sin debt at Calvary.  He did it all for you and me!  He cares for you, don’t miss this amazing gift!  Today is the day of salvation.

“Likewise, ye younger,

submit yourselves unto the elder.

Yea, all of you be subject

one to another,

and be clothed with humility:

for God resisteth the proud,

and giveth grace to the humble.

6 Humble yourselves therefore

under the mighty hand of God,

that he may exalt you in due time:

7 Casting all your care upon him;

for he careth for you.

8 Be sober, be vigilant;

because your adversary the devil,

as a roaring lion,

walketh about,

seeking whom he may devour:

9 Whom resist stedfast in the faith,

knowing that the same afflictions

are accomplished in your brethren

that are in the world.

10 But the God of all grace,

who hath called us unto his eternal glory

by Christ Jesus,

after that ye have suffered a while,

make you perfect,

stablish,

strengthen,

settle you.

11 To him be glory and dominion

for ever and ever. Amen.”  1 Peter 5:5-11

He truly loves and cares for you; won’t you keep your eyes on Jesus—look up, not around at the lions!

“Looking unto Jesus

the author

and finisher

of our faith;

who for the joy that was set before him

endured the cross,

despising the shame,

and is set down

at the right hand of the throne of God.

3 For consider him

that endured such contradiction of sinners

against himself,

lest ye be wearied

and faint in your minds.”  Hebrews 12:2-3

Amen and Amen!!!

YOU Can Make A Difference??? A Word from THE WORD!!! #174

12 Friday Jan 2024

Posted by in 'Come unto me, A Call To Look Unto Jesus!, Advice for the journey, All About Jesus!, All Sufficient God!, All things that pertain to life and godliness, Encouragement, Following Jesus, For Such A Time As This, Peace, Peace Makers, Peace of God, Peace Of The Rock, Peace that passeth ALL understanding

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YOU Can Make A Difference???  A Word from THE WORD!!! #174

“I beseech you therefore, brethren,

by the mercies of God,

that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice,

holy,

acceptable unto God,

which is your reasonable service.

2 And be not conformed to this world:

but be ye transformed

by the renewing of your mind,

that ye may prove

what is that good,

and acceptable,

and perfect,

will of God.

3 For I say, through the grace given unto me,

to every man that is among you,

not to think of himself more highly

than he ought to think;

but to think soberly,

according as God hath dealt

to every man the measure of faith.”                 Romans 12:1-3

With all the strife, chaos, deceptions, and uncertainty around us, I just want us to take a look at what we can do right where we are, by the power of the cross—the power of Jesus’ blood and HIS saving power.  Let’s consider some of God’s truths today that I pray will encourage your heart and move each of us to do that which God has saved us to do.  One of my favorite verses which I often recite to myself, says that we are to live “peaceably” with all men, yet Paul made one of the greatest caveats in all of scripture; it is one that has brought great encouragement and wisdom to my heart in many places and circumstances, “as much as lieth in you…”, reminds us that we aren’t always in control and there are people with whom you can’t have peace—simply because they don’t desire peace, for they are disrupters.  There are those people who don’t want peace but stir the pot intentionally for the seeming pleasure they find in creating turmoil.  We don’t have to interact with them; I’ve often taught and shared with others that there are those that we just need to avoid having encounters with as much as possible.  It’s ok, no, it’s way more than ok, it’s often the best choice for real peace—just walk away graciously but walk away.  Consider this when those ‘irritants’ come your way, don’t get mad and engage, rather, get ‘moving’—with grace and dignity, but move on!

“If it be possible,

as much as lieth in you,

live peaceably with all men.

19 Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves,

but rather give place unto wrath:

for it is written,

Vengeance is mine;

I will repay,

saith the Lord.

20 Therefore if thine enemy hunger,

feed him;

if he thirst,

give him drink:

for in so doing thou shalt heap coals of fire

on his head.

21 Be not overcome of evil,

but overcome evil with good.”  Romans 12:18-21

Let’s also consider Jesus’ own advice!  Oh, that I can learn (and practice) to do this better.

“Blessed are the peacemakers:

for they shall be called the children of God.

10 Blessed are they which are persecuted

for righteousness’ sake:

for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

11 Blessed are ye,

when men shall revile you,

and persecute you,

and shall say all manner of evil against you

falsely,

for my sake.

12 Rejoice, and be exceeding glad:

for great is your reward in heaven:

for so persecuted they the prophets

which were before you…

16 Let your light so shine before men,

that they may see your good works,

and glorify your Father which is in heaven.”                       Matthew 5:9-12 & 16

I don’t think that Jesus is talking simply about political peace in our circumstances, although there are great people who do that, but there’s also a different kind of “peace” maker.  Paul shows us that our job is more importantly, to help people find the “Prince of Peace”, so they can truly know, have, and share “Peace” as‘the children of God’!

“Therefore being justified by faith,

we have peace with God

through our Lord Jesus Christ:

2 By whom also

we have access by faith into this grace

wherein we stand,

and rejoice in hope

of the glory of God.

3 And not only so,

but we glory in tribulations also:

knowing that tribulation

worketh patience;

4 And patience,

experience;

and experience,

hope:

5 And hope maketh not ashamed;

because the love of God is shed abroad

in our hearts

by the Holy Ghost

which is given unto us.

6 For when we were yet without strength,

in due time

Christ died

for the ungodly.”  Romans 5:1-6

I pray that these passages will bring you encouragement to go “about doing good” by the power of The Lord Jesus; and whether you are in the work force encountering people daily, face-to-face or at home full time, you can share peace, love, and joy as you converse, or send out cards, or prayer texts, or calls to those around you, or praying for those God brings to your heart and mind—let’s just share The Truth, JESUS, who gives peace, real peace!  May we share HIM at every opportunity, in whatever ways God may open before us.

“Servants, be obedient to them that are your masters

according to the flesh,

with fear and trembling,

in singleness of your heart,

as unto Christ;

6 Not with eyeservice, as menpleasers;

but as the servants of Christ,

doing the will of God from the heart;

7 With good will doing service,

as to the Lord,

and not to men:

8 Knowing that whatsoever good thing

any man doeth,

the same shall he receive of the Lord,

whether he be bond or free.”  Ephesians 6:5-8

“Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap”. Galatians 6:7

Amen & Amen!!!

A Blessing From Psalms??? A Word from THE WORD!!! #148

27 Friday Oct 2023

Posted by in A Father's Love, A heart of faith, Abiding In Jesus, Blessed by God, Blessings from the Psalms, Encouragement, The Word, The Word Or The World?, There IS (Still) A Fountain, Worship?, YOU Can do ALL things through Jesus

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A Blessing From Psalms???  A Word from THE WORD!!! #148

Just a brief blessing for us today from the Psalms, always a treasure no matter what we may be facing.  I pray that you will find a special word in this varied passages!

“Blessed is the man

that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly,

nor standeth in the way of sinners,

nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful.

2 But his delight is in the law of the LORD;

and in his law doth he meditate

day and night.

3 And he shall be like a tree

planted by the rivers of water,

that bringeth forth his fruit

in his season;

his leaf also shall not wither;

and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper.”  Psalm 1:1-3

Oh, that we could get our focus off of “prosperity” in this world and long for and pursue God’s blessings to “prosper” in what we do for Him, for others and to be found faithful before Him!  The only way we can do that is to heed the words of the Psalmist here and walk in the right way—the right places—and in right standing before The Lord Jesus Christ, and Father God by the power of the indwelling Holy Spirit!

“But he knoweth the way that I take:

when he hath tried me,

I shall come forth as gold.

11 My foot hath held his steps,

his way have I kept, and not declined.

12 Neither have I gone back

from the commandment of his lips;

I have esteemed the words of his mouth

more than my necessary food.”  Job 23:10-12

I love the book of Job, and I remember the first time I saw this verse—I asked God to help me truly desire “the words of his mouth more than my necessary food”—and for me that’s quite an accomplishment to pursue, for I love food—how about you?  To pursue God’s Words as much as I do food would be an awesome goal, it’s one of mine; and while I don’t always succeed, I do try continually.  And to walk in God’s way is also my heart’s desire.

“Order my steps in thy word:

and let not any iniquity

have dominion over me.”  Psalm 119:133

One of my continual prayers is to be found of God in HIS ways rather than my own!  Remember Jesus said there was “none righteous/good”, the only righteousness that we can have must be imparted to us by the Redeemer’s blood bought salvation!

“The steps of a good man

are ordered by the LORD:

and he delighteth in his way.

24 Though he fall,

he shall not be utterly cast down:

for the LORD upholdeth him

with his hand.”  Psalm 37:23-24

May you find encouragement and hope in The Word of God—He’s ever at work in His own, and you can trust to HIS care.  He has promised it to HIS own:

“… for he hath said,

I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee.

6 So that we may boldly say,

The Lord is my helper,

and I will not fear what man shall do

unto me.”  Hebrews 13:5b-6.

Amen & Amen!!!