Be Encouraged

Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God.  Colossians 3:1

Most everyone knows what it is like to have a sense of discouragement come upon them. It is a hopeless confusing feeling. Sometimes like you can't continue your task at hand. Many times we can easily become like this when we forget to look up to Jesus and set our thoughts and eyes upon Him. Focusing on our problems does not bring hope, but despair. Of course Satan loves nothing more than to keep us feeling gloomy. I say enough is enough to Satan. 

Do this when you start to get down. Start listing your blessings. Maybe keep a jar and each day write on a slip of paper one thing good that happened that day. This exercise can help you keep looking 'up' and not on what has got you down. And out loud say to Satan "get behind me, you have no power over me". 

Before you know it you not only will feel encouraged but you will be able to spread encouragement to those around you. 

PRAYER: Thanks for being my 24/7 savior. You care when I am discouraged. I know you want to use me to help encourage others. I choose to keep my thoughts on you. In Jesus' name. Amen.

Half Full??

Finally brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable-if anything is excellent or praiseworthy-think about such things. Philippians 4:8

What kind of person are you? Do you consider the cup half full or half empty? I love Hampton Inn's encouraging words on paper cups, elevator doors and elsewhere throughout the hotel chain. This is what made me think of half full as that is what their drinking cups in rooms said. Their hotel chain has words of encouragement throughout their hotel.

A half full person is more of a positive sort and looks at things in a more promising way than say a half empty one who tends to think the worst of things and be on the doubting negative side. Even when things tend to not look hopeful I want to keep my mind positive and uplifted knowing the story is not over yet. There is always hope.

What do you need to adjust in your life to make you become a half full person?

PRAYER: Today and everyday I want to start out the day being positive and to try to turn conversations around that get negative or condemning. Help me Lord. In Jesus' name. Amen.

The Uplifter

Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing. 1 Thessalonians 5:11(NIV)

Ever had one of those days where you just can't get yourself out of a mood? It can be caused by many factors, but never the less it is one of those times you need a bouquet of flowers, a call from a friend, a hug, or a surprise letter in the mail. Often times when I have had those moments I end up hearing something I needed to hear, such as a Bible verse on the radio, just at the right time or getting an unexpected gift. Once I actually found a palm leaf cross in a puddle outside my car door. Seeing that cross gave me renewed hope and strength. Now tell me that is not God.

If you happen to find yourself in a moment like this get out your Bible and read some Psalms. I find the verses in the 150 chapters in this book very encouraging. Another thing to do is see who else might need help or an encouraging word. Somehow getting out of our own issues and becoming involved with another is a good cure. Say a quick prayer and know God will see you through.

PRAYER: Thanks for another wonderful day you have blessed me with. Show me another that just needs a smile or bit of encouragement today. In Jesus' name. Amen.

POSITIVELY SPEAKING

On a recent trip to visit my sister in Tulsa I learned that my great niece Rylees' school,  Jenks Intermediate School, is known as "The Most Positive School in America". Wow wouldn't you like to work in a school or at a company considered the most positive? So does that mean, like the song lyrics in "Home On The Range" that "never is heard a discouraging word, and the skies are not cloudy all day"? I would hope so with that recognition behind their school name.

It is seemingly very easy to act like the Sesame Street character, Oscar the Grouch, which would be constant complaining, grumbling,  and just going through your day with a negative attitude. Satan loves grumblers, especially Christians who grumble. When you are with friends, family, strangers, or co workers wouldn't you rather be with someone who is cheery or would you rather associate with a complainer or gossiper? 

Whatever a person is dwelling on or thinking is usually what ends up popping out of their mouth. In order to have positive speech your mind needs to be disciplined to think on good things.(See Philippians 4:8).  Ephesians 4:29(NASB) says 'Let no unwholesome word proceed from your mouth, but only such a word as is good for edification according to the need of the moment, so that it will give grace to those who hear.' Are you guilty of "unwholesome words"? I am not referring to just cursing but lying, gossip, ridicule, hate, and negativity. Do you think and talk positive? Why not make Philippians 2:14(NIV) your verse to live by? It says 'Do everything without grumbling or arguing.' 

PRAYER: Lord today I  choose to be positive. I know the enemy can drag me down through a negative mindset. I choose to resist the urge to gripe, be mean, complain, or hurt someone with my words. In Jesus' name. Amen.

YOUR WORDS..ARE THEY A BLESSING OR A CURSE?

 

Have you ever stopped to think about the words that come out of your mouth? Words can bless others or they can curse them. There is a Bible verse that says this should not happen. James 3:10(ESV) says 'From the same mouth come blessing and cursing. Brothers these things should not be so.'

We can offend with our mouths. No one is perfect. Examples are lying, gossip, belittling and arguing. Are you guilty of any of those things? Try to memorize the following passage from Ephesians 4:29-31 which says 'Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others upaccording to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, with whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice.'

Many reading this may not have a big problem with words but maybe live with a person who is a verbal abuser. If this is the case even when the person claims to know Jesus you simply need pray for them. Only the Holy Spirit can bring conviction. We are not, as Joyce Meyer says, "Holy Spirit Junior", keep reminding yourself of that. If you are spoken to harshly do not return the same type of speech. Be calm. That is the only way to diffuse evil speech. Romans 12:21(NIV) says 'Do not be overcome with evil but overcome evil with good.' Proverbs 15:1(NIV) says 'A gentle answer turns away wrath but a harsh word stirs up anger.' Oh how many marriages could be saved if couples would simply live by God's words. Do not just read them but do them.

Make it your aim to only let what builds up a person come from your mouth. Your assignment is to read James 3 which deals with the dangers of the tongue. Let your life and speech bring glory to God.

PRAYER: Father I know your word speaks much about what comes out of our mouth. Forgive me when I have been hasty with my words and hurt someone or responded in anger. I choose to let you guide me and give me strength. In Jesus' name. Amen.

Click on link below and truly listen to the words of this song.

http://youtu.be/D5V8_k70KnI

ONE LETTER AT A TIME

Recently I saw a movie called "The Letter Writer" which basically
showed the impact one nice letter or positive gesture can have on a
person. In this email and communication device generation, we have all
but lost the art of letter writing. Long gone are the days of saving
letters from a loved one in a shoe box in the attic. Sort of sad I
think.

Your words, cards, and letters can be a positive source of
encouragement for someone who is lonely, sick, or perhaps needing a
bit of hope in their lives. A good word can light up a person's day.

Back in about 1993 when our family was leaving Wright Patterson AFB in
Ohio for Rock Island Arsenal,Illinois our mailman saw me one day and
knew I was moving and jokingly said to me 'There goes half my
business' because indeed I did like sending letters and cards and
still do.My husband joked I was paying the mailman's salary the
mailbox had so much outgoing mail in it at times.

Words can uplift or hurt. They can bring joy or pain. They can cause
laughter or bring on pain. Choose yours wisely whether talking or
writing. Being hasty can get you into much trouble or embarrassment,
take it from one who knows. Ecclesiasters 5:2(NIV) reminds us 'Do not
be quick with your mouth, do not be hasty in your heart to utter
anything before God. God is in heaven and you are on earth, so let
your words be few.'

Proverbs 25:11(NIV) says 'A word aptly spoken is like apples of gold
in settings of silver.' Ephesians 4:29(NIV) says 'do not let any
unwholesome talk come out of your mouths but only what is helpful in
building others up according to their needs, that it many benefit
those who listen.' Meditate on that for a while.

Who do you need to bring cheer to today? Perhaps a lonely soldier
overseas away from family? Maybe an elderly parent? Could a friend use
a boost? Maybe a total stranger? That is what this movie was about. I
actually received a letter from a person I did not know once who told
me God told him to write the letter to me. It was a young person I had
met briefly at a Joyce Meyer conference in Arizona. A few days later
I needed the comfort of the words in that letter and still have it to
this day. You never know
who God will use you to reach out to. Be ready and willing to be a
vessel He can use.

PRAYER: Lord today show me if there is anyone who needs an encourage
word from me either by mail, email, phone, or in person. I want you to
use me to bring cheer to the lives of others and spread your love. In
Jesus' name. Amen.

Link to info on movie:
http://www.christianfilmguide.com/movie/the-letter-writer-2011/

SELDOM IS HEARD A DISCOURAGING WORD

These were part of the lyrics from the old song 'Home on The Range' ,not referring to the cooking channel by the way.  Discouragement is rampant in society and in individual lives. To combat being discouraged a person will need a daily dose of joy and happiness to make them ready to meet anything your day can throw at them.

Discouragement can be caused by many things. Job loss, layoffs, loss of life, loss of a friendship, divorce, and money problems to name a few. If you dwell on your problem or situation it is extremely easy to sink into a pit of despair and discouragement. In order to not have this happen focus on good things. I have often heard for every bad thought you have you need to counter it with 7 positive thoughts. So say you are in a real negative mindset then you need to get a sheet of paper and start writing down things to be thankful for. Try it right now or the next time you are down in the dumps.

Joshua 1:9 says " 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."

Deuteronomy 31:8 says "The LORD himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.”

To start focusing on positive things you need to train your mind to think on good things. Negative thinking produces negative results. Philippians 4:8 says "Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things." Make up your mind and purpose in your heart to not let your mind wander onto negative thoughts.

Psalm 27:13 says "I remain confident of this:I will see the goodness of the LORD in the land of the living." In other words you may have bad moments but they are not going to last. God promises you will see His goodness if you are following after him.

Today start the day by saying thanks to God for another day He has given to you and just get out and get going! Do not allow the devil a foothold. If you allow the enemy a chance to mess with you then you will be stuck in your wrong thinking again. Gain control of bad thoughts with God's help!

PRAYER: I thank you Lord that I can choose to keep positive things in my head. I know it is Satan who tries to get me to plummet into a pit of despair. I say to him, "get behind me Satan." With your help Lord I can win the battle over negative thinking. In Jesus Name. Amen.

Note: Included a praise song to help you get your mind focused on things above. Click on link and worship Jesus.
http://youtu.be/I17edLkBDCo