Word of Encouragement

January 25, 2008

Ephesians 4:26-27 “In your anger do not sin. Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry, and do not give the devil a foothold.”

Have you ever been hurt in an area of your life that you have become closed in spirit to that person or situation? I think we can all say we have faced some struggles concerning forgiveness.

Ephesians 4:32 “Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.”

I want to remind you that God has given you the power of influence. You have the ability to make the first move when it comes to forgiveness. I encourage you to pray and ask God what you can do to create an atmosphere of acceptance and encouragement.

Proverbs 15:1 “A gently answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.”

We all make mistakes. Do you fully understand the freedom of knowing you are forgiven? What confidence you can have when you know you are free from the law of sin and death. Actually, the gospel of Jesus Christ is all about forgiveness.

Luke 6:36 - 37 “Jesus said; "Be merciful just as your Father is merciful. Do not judge, and you will not be judged. Do not condemn, and you will not be condemned. Forgive and you will be forgiven."

The good news is; you are never alone. If you call upon the name of the Lord, He will give you the courage and confidence you need to be merciful and forgive so you can see the power of His love turn the situation around for His glory. May you be blessed each day with a fresh new start!

Be encouraged by His Grace,

Rose

All scripture taken from New International Version

January 18, 2008

2 Corinthians 4:16-18 “Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.”

Every time I read this scripture it speaks to me because I know that I must continue to remind myself that God is taking care of everything that concerns me. When I continue to focus on Him, I have peace and confidence knowing that He is in control not me. When things do not go my way I must remind myself that I need to take care of what I can, and then trust God to take care of the rest. This scripture reminds me that everything around me is only temporary. All things are subject to change.

You may be looking at a situation that seems impossible. Well, I want to remind you, that with God all things are possible. He sees the entire picture while you only see what is going on in front of you. God knows exactly how you are feeling even this very moment. He is mindful of you. Things are not as you see them. What you are looking at is subject to change. You can have peace and confidence knowing that God never changes; He always remains the same, faithful Father that He is. I encourage you to focus on Him and allow this to be another opportunity for you to grow stronger and more dependant upon Him. God knows your abilities and He knows that you can get through this one step at a time.

Father in Jesus name, give my friend strength and stability to trust completely in You. I pray blessings over my friend. I pray peace and confidence to be evident in their heart and in their mind. Amen.

God has a plan my friend!

Be encouraged!

Rose

All scripture taken from New International Version

January 11, 2008

Psalms 23:6 “Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the Lord for ever.”

Goodness and mercy are following after you. Will you take the time to stop what you’re doing and receive from goodness and mercy? Will you pause and welcome the goodness of the Lord and receive mercy and strength for your day?

Psalms 34:8 “Taste and see that the LORD is good; blessed is the man who takes refuge in him.”

The Lord is so good. His love is everlasting. Do you recognize the goodness of God all around you?

James 1:17 “Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows.”

How refreshing it is to recognize the goodness of the Lord. It’s like a breath of fresh air that brings praise to your lips.

Psalms 63:3 “Because your love is better than life, my lips will glorify you.”

There is nothing better then the Lord your God. No one can compare to His presence. His goodness and His faithfulness carry on forever.

Psalms 103:1 “Praise the LORD, O my soul; all my inmost being, praise his holy name.”

Bless the Lord at all times, continuously praise Him for His goodness and His mercy.

Psalms 113:3 “From the rising of the sun to the place where it sets, the name of the LORD is to be praised.”

Father in Heaven I pray for the one reading this devotional. Lord I pray that you would help them to recognize Your love all around. Help them to see that you are with them during this time. Remind them that you are mindful of what they are going through. Give them strength and courage to stand in faith regardless of what they see, feel, or hear. In Jesus Name, Amen.

Be encouraged by His Grace,

Rose

All scripture taken from New International Version

January 4, 2008

Psalms 55:5 “Fearfulness and trembling are come upon me, and horror hath overwhelmed me.”

Overwhelming circumstance can cause you to wish that you could just get away from all the pressure.

Psalms 55:6-7 “I said, "Oh, that I had the wings of a dove! I would fly away and be at rest- I would flee far away and stay in the desert; Selah”

Even those who are especially close to God like David have moments when they want to escape from their problems and pressures. Even if you did have wings and could fly away, the problem wouldn’t change because you took off. We all at times can grow tired and weary. I am so thankful that God is mindful of our humanness and has given us hope.

Isaiah 40:28-31 “Do you not know? Have you not heard? The LORD is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth. He will not grow tired or weary, and his understanding no one can fathom. He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak. Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall; but those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.”

The Lord is always mindful of your circumstances. He has a perfect plan to care for you and all that you have need of. He has made a way for you to receive newness of strength. Just as the eagle sores above the storm clouds in the perfect flow of air gliding over the storm, you too can rise above the storms of life and sore over the problems and the pressures knowing God is in control, not you.

Psalm 55:16-17 “But I call to God, and the LORD saves me. Evening, morning and noon I cry out in distress, and he hears my voice.”

Make the quality decision to call upon the Lord all day long, give Him all your burdens. The Lord cares for you affectionately. He watches over you all through the day and night.

Psalms 55:22 “Cast your cares on the LORD and he will sustain you; he will never let the righteous fall.”

Praise God for His faithfulness. The next time you have overwhelming pressure don‘t run away, instead, run to Him.

Be encouraged by His grace today,

Rose

All scripture taken from New International Version