Therefore encourage one another with these words. – 1 Thessalonians
4:18
This day with God, let us take
every opportunity to encourage and learn from each other so we are ready for
the challenges of tomorrow. Go to the ONE who created it all and passionately
stir each other up to boldly step ahead.
Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit, but in
lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself. Let each of you
look out not only for his own interests, but also for the interests of others.
As shared in the post “Aim to Please God Only” Paul, Silas, and
Timothy set out to share the Gospel message not for their own interest but for
the interest of the new Christians. They took a risk of being persecuted but
were courageous and kind to stand in the Light to be seen as who they were with
their main ambition being to encourage, comfort, and urge the new Christians to
live worthy lives.
As we go about our day, let us
also stand in the Light to share this great message: All God wants from us is
our heart. Enjoy today’s video: All You’ve
Ever Wanted – Casting Crowns.
As shared in the post “Sparking Curiosity”, Paul began his
missionary work in Athens by just meeting people and telling about Christ. This
new teaching of Paul in Athens is still available to us today.
Many are looking for answers to
the challenges of this world. They’ve looked at the various philosophies in how
best to take on these challenges and none seem to work. But there is one plan that has proven
to work and continues to work.
I have been crucified with Christ and I no
longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I now live in the body, I live by
faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me. - Galatians 2:20
In the post, The Courage to Walk against the Enemy, the photo I used was of this small cat walking in front of a line of dogs. It made me remember when a small kitten showed up at our house a couple of years ago. We have a big dog but the cat was not afraid of anything.
Later, we found out that our neighbors had gotten a new kitten and it was their kitten. After thinking about this experience, it hit me that the kitten was not afraid because it had a home. It had a home with food, shelter, and love just like we should not be afraid because Jesus has provided a home for each of us.
We can face our fears with boldness because the power of the Holy Spirit is with us. We can walk down a dark and painful road because of this power and the security of God’s promise of a home in paradise for each of us. Join in the praise today with today’s video: Same Power – Jeremy Camp.
The Lord is my light and my salvation - whom shall I fear? The Lord is the stronghold of my life - of whom shall I be afraid? - Psalm 27:1
In the
post Sense of Purpose, the followers of
Christ were put in jail for speaking in His name. Isn’t it disheartening that
now over 2,000 years have passed and there are those in our current society
with similar thoughts? Communication of one’s opinions and ideas are being
stymied by political correctness in much the same fashion as it was in the
first century against those who started the Christian church.
God sees
each of us as His child. We are unique individuals who can think on our own. We
don’t need a group to do all our thinking for us. We all can make our own
decisions by following the Holy Spirit and playing our part in this world.
Here’s our inspirational video for today: My
Place in this World – Michael W. Smith.
Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be
transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and
approve what God's will is - His good, pleasing and perfect will. – Romans 12:2
example of their boldness as
they stood up to the rulers, the elders, and the teachers of the law. They went
through trying times but they were bold, they knew the power in Christ, and
they prayed for their needs.
Let us also be bold today, pay
attention to our dreams, and take action to create better situations for our
future and the future of our loved ones. God blesses those who seek His advice
and follow through with His guidance. Let us look forward to better times ahead
and take inspiration from this video:Blessings – Laura Story.
In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know
what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit intercedes for us through wordless
groans. And he who searches our hearts knows the mind of the Spirit, because
the Spirit intercedes for God's people in accordance with the will of God. -
Romans 8:26-27
Many times people will oppose us
just like in the post Boldness
Given by the Holy Spirit when Peter proclaimed Christ as the Savior before
the group that had crucified Him. Like Peter, when sharing about Christ we
might face opposition but with the Lord, we can take courage and boldly stand
up to them.
Remember, God is with us to
fight our battles. Here is a video assuring that we are never alone during
difficult times: I Am Not Alone – Kari
Jobe.
Be strong and of good courage; do not be afraid, nor be dismayed, for
the Lord your God is with you wherever you go. - Joshua 1:9
There were warnings but also
encouragement as I wrote in the post Of Most
Importance is Jesus in Our Heart. We should be inspired to be a bold and
persuasive witness through the Holy Spirit. Because of the Holy Spirit, we
receive counsel at all times to help us and here is a video poem to inspire our
day with this thought in mind: Blessings Throughout
Each Hour.
Enable me to speak
Your word with great boldness. Stretch out Your hand to heal and perform signs
and wonders through the name of Jesus. - Acts 4:29-30
