God has given us His word to encourage and help us.

Scripture also enables us to encourage and be a blessing to others.

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

I have listed a few of the many verses of encouragement in the Bible. Copy or print the verses and use them to fill your mind with God honoring thoughts. These verses can be used to make an encouragement vessel for daily inspiration and family togetherness.

Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen.
Matthew 28:20 KJV

Then you will call, and the LORD will answer; you will cry for help, and He will say: Here am I. “If you do away with the yoke of oppression, with the pointing finger and malicious talk, and if you spend yourselves in behalf of the hungry and satisfy the needs of the oppressed, then your light will rise in the darkness, and your night will become like the noonday.
Isaiah 58:9-10 NIV

Be of good courage, and He shall strengthen your heart, all ye that hope in the LORD.
Psalm 31:24 KJV

Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth
Colossians 3:2 KJV

Gracious words are like a honeycomb, sweetness to the soul and health to the body.
Proverbs 16:24 ESV

“The LORD will fight for you while you keep silent.”
Exodus 14:14 NASB

But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in My name, He shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you.
John 14:26 KJV

We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ.
2 Corinthians 10:5 NIV

Nehemiah said, “Go and enjoy choice food and sweet drinks, and send some to those who have nothing prepared. This day is sacred to our Lord. Do not grieve, for the joy of the LORD is your strength.”
Nehemiah 8:10 NIV

The LORD thy God in the midst of thee is mighty; He will save, He will rejoice over thee with joy; He will rest in His love, He will joy over thee with singing.
Zephaniah 3:17 KJV

Seek God with all your heart. Let His words fill your heart and mind. As you are filled with Christ, you can in return minister and bless others.

Do you ever skip over information or not finish reading instructions because you think you know what you’re doing?

Skipping or missing important information can cause us problems and frustration.

Do you automatically think when someone says “I’m expecting” they are expecting a child? That may not necessarily be the truth.

Read what I posted on my personal Facebook page:

We are EXPECTING! !!!! I know, I know pretty crazy isn’t it?? I really don’t want to believe it myself. I wasn’t going to put it on here, because it will be obvious soon enough, but thought I needed to make it official. So now you know, its official. We are EXPECTING another hot day tomorrow!! Wait! What did you think I meant?? LOL! ** Re-post if you have a sense of humor-like me!! **

I received comments telling me they had believed I was expecting a child. If they had not finished reading, they would not have known I was expecting another hot day.

Expect means something is likely to happen.

Do you believe in God’s plan for your life and expect Him to take care of you?

Expect God to meet ALL your needs and bless you.

We say “I believe in God”, but do we truly give Him our all and trust His plan for our life? When things aren’t going like we think they should or our prayers are not being answered fast enough, we get impatient and try to do things our way.

Expecting God to work in your life needs to go from a head knowledge to a heart knowledge.

God knows everything. His plan is perfect. Trust fully in Him, follow His commands, and expect Him to provide for you.

My Facebook post continued talking about how I was expecting. It was not until near the end you found out what I was expecting.

It’s important to expect God to work in your life, but you must continue reading. God cannot fully use you, if you have sin contaminating your life or are not following His commands. Ask forgiveness for sin and get your life right with God. Read His instruction book, The Bible and talk to Him in prayer.

“Do what is right and good in the Lord’s sight, so that it may go well with you.”
Deuteronomy 6:18 (NIV)

Continually spending time with God in prayer and reading His Word enables you to see God’s plan and know what to expect from Him. Daily meditate on His Word and do actions to make God real in your life.

When your life is right with God, you can expect God to do great things!

What can you expect from God?

Expect God to come again, encourage, be in control, guide your life, heal, bring hope, love, show mercy, keep His promises, be powerful, protect, provide, be with you always and more.

God is…

• A Defender

“The Lord shall fight for you, and ye shall hold your peace.”
Exodus 14:14 (KJV)

• A Listener

“O Lord, You have heard the desire and the longing of the humble and oppressed; You will prepare and strengthen and direct their hearts, You will cause Your ear to hear.”
Psalm 10:17 (AMP)

• Faithful

“Know therefore that the Lord your God is God; He is the faithful God, keeping His covenant of love to a thousand generations of those who love Him and keep His commandments.”
Deuteronomy 7:9 (NIV)

Expect God to do great things in your life by having a heart for God!

I want to help you! Sign up below for my encouragement newsletter and I will send you my “Have A Heart For God” Ebook and Audio for free. It is a 30 day guide that enables you to grow in the Lord by giving you a daily verse to meditate on and a simple action for making God real in your life. Get your ebook and audio now!

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Here are three recipes you can make for your father and each has a twist to honor your Heavenly Father.

Double Chocolate Peanutty Shake

“Shake” off worldly influences that try to discourage you and draw you away from God. Stay focused on God and His blessings.

“Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.”

Hebrews 12:2 NIV

Yogurt Pudding Freeze

“Pudding” God’s Word in your heart is honoring. Put scripture around you so you will see it frequently and it will make an impression on your heart. Memorize the Bible. It is an honor to our Heavenly Father, when we choose to fill our minds with His words.

“How can a young man keep his way pure? By living according to your word. I seek you with all my heart; do not let me stray from your commands. I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you.”

Psalm 119:9-11 NIV

Strawberry Banana Sipper

By bearing spiritual “fruit”, we are honoring our Heavenly Father. He is pleased when your example is a testimony of His love and sacrifice.

“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, Meekness, temperance.”

Galatians 5:22-23 KJV

Honor your earthly father with your love, respect, and a special treat.

Use one of these recipes to make him a treat and include a list of the top 10 things you love about your father.

Double Chocolate Peanutty Shake

Yeild: 2 1/4 cups

1 cup chocolate ice cream, softened

1 cup cold chocolate milk

1/3 cup creamy peanut butter

Place all ingredients in a blender container; cover. Blend on medium speed until smooth and frothy. Serve immediately over ice cubes in tall glasses.

Yogurt Pudding Freeze

Yield: 2 Cups

1 package (3.4 ounces) instant vanilla pudding and pie filling

1 cup cold milk

1 container (8 ounces) lowfat vanilla flavor yogurt

Ice cream cones

Colored sprinkles

Make pudding according to package directions using milk and yogurt. Freeze in bowl several hours or overnight. To serve, remove bowl from freezer and let stand at room temperature about 15 minutes. Scoop into ice cream cones using a small ice cream scoop or teaspoon. Decorate with colored sprinkles, etc. Serve immediately.

Strawberry Banana Sipper

Yield: 2 1/4 cups

2 cups cold milk

1 cup fresh strawberries

1/3 cup sliced banana

3 tablespoons honey

3 teaspoons vanilla extract

Place all ingredients in a blender container; cover. Blend on medium speed until smooth and frothy. Serve immediately over ice cubes in tall glasses.

Enjoy, as you honor your father and Heavenly Father!

Recipes are from the American Dairy Association and Dairy Council.

You are blessed!

God has blessed you abundantly in many ways.

Are you breathing? Did you have food to eat today? Are you reading or listening to someone read this? If you can answer yes to any of these questions, then you are blessed.

Life can be hard. You may be facing a trial, short on money, disappointed in others, or going through another hardship. There are difficulties because we live in a sinful world. Even during hard times, you receive blessings from God.

Blessings come in many forms. Sometimes blessings are so small they can easily be missed, but bring life altering help. Other blessings may be dropped in your lap and leave you in awe of how God works.

Blessings are all around you! God wants you to praise and thank Him for the blessings He has given. Start praising God by recognizing the blessings in your life.

Let everything that has breath praise the Lord. Praise the Lord.

Psalm 150:6 (NIV)

Here are 3 fun ways to count your blessings.

1. Start a Blessings Journal: Record the ways you are blessed.

Each evening, individually or as a family, write the blessings you received during the day in a journal. Younger children can draw pictures of how they were blessed. Have a time of thanksgiving and praise to God for these blessings. Occasionally go back and look through your journal. You will see the many ways God has blessed your life.

Praise Him for his acts of power; praise Him for His surpassing greatness.

Psalm 150:2 (NIV)

2. Make a blessings jar: Count your blessings and bring inspiration to your day.

Get your blessings jar prepared by finding or decorating a special jar. Cut slips of paper and keep them near the jar with a pen or pencil. Hold the jar and thank God for the blessings He will bring your way. Put the jar in an accessible location.

Throughout the day, write down blessings and put them in the jar when you pass by. Thank God for each blessings as you put it into the jar. When you feel down or discouraged by life, take out the blessings and read them.

As for me, I will always have hope; I will praise You more and more.

Psalm 71:14 (NIV)

3. Take a walk: Look around and count your blessings.

Go for a walk. As you walk, look around. Praise God for His nature. Look at the leaves on the trees. Thank God for how He made the trees not only beautiful, but useful for life. Give Him praise for what He has made and how it is a blessing to you.

All the earth bows down to you; they sing praise to You, they sing the praises of Your name.”

Psalm 66:4 (NIV)

Count your blessings, each and every day and praise God for them!

I will praise the Lord all my life; I will sing praise to my God as long as I live.

Psalm 146:2 (NIV)

If the horses panicked or were impatient as they tried to climb out of the hole, it would make them get stuck worse. The more they fought getting out of the hole the more work they caused for Pa and it took longer to get unstuck.

As I read this story, it reminded me of our spiritual lives. We can be riding in the sleigh of life and everything is fine. Then suddenly we crash and tumble into a hole. Holes in our lives can be a variety of things. Problems, stress, health concerns, and more can all be holes. Some holes are to strengthen us and build us up to be all God made us to be. Other holes can be caused by sin in our lives.

Whatever the reason for why the hole is there for, we must not stay stuck in it. We need to strive to get out.

When the horses panicked or were impatient trying to get out, it just made things worse. Down in the hole we struggle and try to fix things on our own and not wait patiently. We end up making our hole harder to get out of and bigger.

Pa would get the horses out by calming them and slowly leading them out of the hole. Our Heavenly Father is always with us. He is there waiting for us to calm down and let Him take the lead. We need to wait patiently for His guidance.

“Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me;thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.”

Psalm 23:4 (KJV)

To get guidance from God we must first determine if the hole was caused by sin. If there is sin in our life, we must ask forgiveness.

“There is no God like thee, in heaven above, or on earth beneath, who keepest covenant and mercy with thy servants that walk before thee with all their heart.”

1 Kings 8:23 (KJV)

Secondly, find guidance through prayer and Bible reading. We cannot fix all of life’s problems in our own power. By giving up our wills and wants to God, He can use us. It is through being completely surrendered to God’s will that we can be lead out of life’s holes.

“Direct my footsteps according to your word; let no sin rule over me.”

Psalm 119:133 (NIV)

It is hard not to struggle and to give EVERYTHING to God. We want to be in control and to get out of the hole quickly. God has promised His help.

“Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.”

Proverbs 3:5-6 (KJV)

Give God your life and let Him help you out of the holes!

Trying to do everything and give the best to our families can wear us out. We feel like we need to meet everyone’s expectations. This will wear us down physically and emotionally.

Moses was trying to help the Israelite people. It was too much for him to handle himself. Moses’ father-in-law realized Moses would wear himself out.

“And Moses’ father in law said unto him, The thing that thou doest is not good.  Thou wilt surely wear away, both thou, and this people that is with thee: for this thing is too heavy for thee; thou art not able to perform it thyself alone.”

Exodus 18:17-18 KJV

Moses was able to get help. There are many burdens we try to bear ourselves. God wants us to be our best. If we are wore out and overwhelmed, you cannot be your best and adequately minister to others.

Just as Moses was able to turn to others for help, we can receive help. God is our ultimate help and guide.

“Because he hath set his love upon me, therefore will I deliver him: I will set him on high, because he hath known my name. He shall call upon me, and I will answer him: I will be with him in trouble; I will deliver him, and honour him.”

Psalm 91:14-15 KJV

We need to stop trying to do everything and pray about what is the best for us to do. It is important to care for our family, but many times we let fleeting pleasures control our time and actions. Having the latest, greatest, and best will not matter for eternity. Sharing our love, time, and testimony will leave a legacy.  If you are overwhelmed, reach out for help.

Taking care of yourself spiritually, physically, and emotionally will help you minister to others.

Thank you for joining me for tea time! Are you looking for a way to make your own tea time special? We love our Floral Teapot with “Flowers appear on the earth, the season of singing has come. SONG OF SONGS 2:12 NIV” written on it. This teapot helps us to keep our thoughts centered on Christ.

Don’t be tricked by Satan!

Have you ever bit into something that looked delicious like candy corn or a cookie only to discover it was stale or made with the wrong ingredients? You were tricked and deceived by something that appeared good. Satan trys to trick us into believing lies. He is a deceiver. He makes things appear good to hurt us and get us away from God.

In Revelation 12:9 KJV it tells us “Satan, which deceiveth the whole world.”

What lies is Satan tricking you with?

Disappointment?
People pleasing?
You’re not good enough?
No one cares?
Addictions?

These are all tricks from Satan. You are not the only person to face them. Satan tries to deceive the world. You can have victory over his lies.

Find strength in the Lord and His power. Satan tried to trick Jesus, but it didn’t work. The tricks of Satan do not have to work on us either.

Read about how Jesus was tempted in Luke 4:1-13 “Being forty days tempted of the devil.” and in Matthew 4:1-13 “Then was Jesus led up of the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted of the devil.”

Jesus used scripture to squash Satan’s lies. Memorizing scripture, placing scripture around your home and listening to scripture will help you defeat Satan’s lies. When he tries to trick you, repeat scripture or look up scripture. Feed your mind with positive verses and uplifting thoughts.

Write these verses or others down and carry them with so you can quickly turn your thoughts toward Jesus and find help from Him.

“But the Lord is faithful, who shall stablish you, and keep you from evil.” 2 Thessalonians 3:3 KJV

“Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.” John 14:26 KJV

“And Jesus looking upon them saith, With men it is impossible, but not with God: for with God all things are possible.” Mark 10:27 KJV

“Now the Lord is that Spirit: and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty.” 2 Corinthians 3:17 KJV

Pray and ask God for help. Use verses as a prayer to God. Let God have control of your thoughts and actions.

You can have victory over Satan’s tricks!

You might enjoy “Jesus Gives The Best Treats” http://buildingblocks4life.com/jesus-gives-the-best-treats

Today, I’m sharing illustrations and God’s word to guide you though trails.

As I share with you let God speak to your heart and think of how you can minister to someone else.

Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.

James 1:2-4 (NIV)

Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial, because when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him.

James 1:12 (NIV)

Who do you know who is going through a trail? Share with them how they can persevere and be all God made them to be.

Thank you for joining me for tea time! Are you looking for a way to make your own tea time special? We love our Floral Teapot with “Flowers appear on the earth, the season of singing has come. SONG OF SONGS 2:12 NIV” written on it. This teapot helps us to keep our thoughts centered on Christ.

There are big and small blessings. Needs and wants met, protection, and more are given freely by God. Yet how often do we forget to praise and thank Him for His blessings and answers to prayer?

In this tea time video I am sharing my thoughts from Psalm 107:28-32. Watch and let God speak to your heart. What does He want to hear you tell Him?

Then they cried out to the LORD in their trouble,and he brought them out of their distress.

He stilled the storm to a whisper;the waves of the sea were hushed.

They were glad when it grew calm,and he guided them to their desired haven.

Let them give thanks to the LORD for his unfailing love and his wonderful deeds for men.

Let them exalt him in the assembly of the people and praise him in the council of the elders.

Psalm 107:28-32 (NIV)

What do you need to thank God for today?

Thank you for joining me for tea time! Are you looking for a way to make your own tea time special? We love our Floral Teapot with “Flowers appear on the earth, the season of singing has come. SONG OF SONGS 2:12 NIV” written on it. This teapot helps us to keep our thoughts centered on Christ.

How has your week been? I was reminded this week that my plans can lead to disappointment, but God’s plans are perfect.

God works through disappointment. He has a much better plan than I could ever dream of or make happen. I’m thankful that God turned my disappointment into a blessing. I needed to adjust my plans to God’s plans and then I could see the amazing rainbow through the raindrops.

Do you ever feel like a leper? Have you ever had any of these feelings? Abandonment, not doing things right, thoughts that no one wants or sees things the way you do, or not being able to do things right or good enough. The list goes on and on.

In Bible times, lepers were separated from others. They would have to call out “unclean, unclean” when anyone came near.

We can get discouraged, feel alone in our struggles, not understand why people don’t care and feel like a leper. Satan sends these thoughts our way to tear us down. He wants us to have hurt feelings and be disappointed. God has given us hope. When we are weak, God is strong and helping us become stronger.

“And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ’s sake: for when I am weak, then am I strong.” 2 Corinthians 12:9-10 (KJV)

In times when you feel like a leper, God is working. There is more going on then we can see. God’s angels are fighting unseen, spiritual battles for us.We cannot give up or give in! We need to stand strong!

God’s ways are not our ways. Your circumstances may looks hopeless like a lepers, but in God’s hands you have a hope filled future.

“For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways,” declares the LORD.” Isaiah 55:8 (NIV)

Do you feel like your prayers fall on deaf ears? God hears your prayers. His answers are perfect. God does not always answer our prayers the way we want them answered because He has a bigger and better plan for our life. We don’t always know why things happen the way they do and in some cases we will never know. You can rest assured that God has everything planned perfectly for your good and to benefit others.

When you feel like a leper, don’t sit down and call out unclean, unclean to yourself. Go to God! Let God cleanse and renew you. Change your thoughts.

?”It takes but one positive thought when given the chance to survive and thrive to overpower an entire army of negative thoughts.” – Robert Schuller

Be positive. Thank God for His perfect plan and trust in Him. Throw down the leper cloths and rejoice in the Lord!

Be renewed in the Lord today!

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Are you spiritually thirsty?

Do you need the Lord to refresh and strengthen you?

1. Pray

Tell God about your thirst.

“O God, thou [art] my God; early will I seek thee: my soul thirsteth for thee, my flesh longeth for thee in a dry and thirsty land, where no water is” Psalm 63:1 (KJV)

Ask God to quench your thirst. Thank Him for providing living water.

2. Evaluate what caused your thirst.

Some common causes of spiritual thirst are lack of time in God’s word and prayer, over-scheduling your life, stress, and problems. What is making you thirsty?

3. Determine what God wants you to do.

Pray and seek God’s guidance. Do you need to cut out activities, relax more, start reading God’s word and praying regularly, or weed out something else that is causing the thirst?

“You hear, O LORD, the desire of the afflicted; you encourage them, and you listen to their cry.” Psalm 10:17 (NIV)

Water can be placed in front of you, but it is your choice if you choose to drink it and be refreshed or leave it to be wasted.

4. Drink from the source of the overflowing fountain of living water.

“Everyone who drinks this water will be thirsty again,but whoever drinks the water I give him will never thirst. Indeed, the water I give him will become in him a spring of water welling up to eternal life.” John 4:13-14 (NIV)

Prayer and Bible reading are not the only ways to be refreshed in the Lord. After you have made time for those, find refreshment in other ways.

Here are a few ways you can start quenching your thirst right away.

Fill your mind

Devotional and inspirational books fill your mind with good things and help push out the negative thirst suckers. If you are on the go, listen to an audio version.

Listen to praise music

Listening to uplifting praise music allows God to flow through you and help your cup overflow.

Help those in need and encourage others

By reaching out to others you can get your mind off from your problems and help someone else.

Rejoice in the Lord

Be thankful and praise God for what He has done for you.

“Because thou hast been my help, therefore in the shadow of thy wings will I rejoice.” Psalm 63:7 (KJV)

Quench your thirst and be spiritually refreshed TODAY!

Find more help and encouragement for quenching your spiritual thirst here.

Don’t let life cause worry and stress you out.

Be still and seek God.

“Be still, and know that I am God.”

Psalm 46:10

Are you struggling to just get through the day?

How can you overcome the challenges of life?

Are you fulfilling your great purpose right now, today?

“Overcome, Step UP, And Walk In Your Great Purpose!“

There is no charge for this webinar, and you will receive bonus goodies just for coming.

Join Beth Jones, Kimberly Ehlers, and I at this webinar.

I will be speaking on “You Are An Overcomer!” Don’t let problems and fears hold you back from being all God made you to be. I will be sharing from God’s Word how you can overcome the challenges of life and be confident in God’s power. Kimberly Ehlers will be speaking on “How To Lived A Purpose-Filled, Peaceful Life”.

To learn more, click here!

God loves us so much, that even as sinful people, He died for us. We deserve God’s wrath and punishment for our sins. Instead, God loved us so much that He gave us His son.

“But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. Much more then, being now justified by his blood, we shall be saved from wrath through him.” Romans 5:8-9 (KJV)

Think about what He did?

Would you be willing to give up your only son who you love with all your heart for someone who causes you grief and pain? That is what God did for us. There is no one else who has this kind of love.

No one is excluded from God’s love.

All we must do is admit that we are a sinner, believe that Jesus never sinned, died and rose again to take away our sin, and ask Him to save us.There are no test we must pass or hoops to jump through.

We are justified and made free from the penalty of death by Jesus’ blood.

The penalty for being a sinner is death and eternal/never-ending life in hell. God has paid our penalty in full and freed us to have eternal/never-ending life with Him in Heaven.

If you have received God’s gift of salvation, you have no reason to keep it quiet. You must share it with the world. Your family, friends, coworkers, and those you come in contact with each day need you to share with them about Jesus.

God’s gift is the best gift we will ever receive. Don’t let fear of rejection or embarrassment hold you back from sharing this amazing gift.

Teach children about God’s love and salvation with this FREE Bible lesson: http://buildingblocks4life.com/god-is-always-with-you-lesson

]]> http://lois-graham.com/there-is-no-love-like-gods-love/feed/ 0 http://lois-graham.com/make-today-a-good-day/ http://lois-graham.com/make-today-a-good-day/#comments Mon, 09 Aug 2010 18:53:10 +0000 Lois Graham http://lois-graham.com/?p=966 Make everyday a good day!

Rejoice in the Lord, all day long.

“Blessed are those who have learned to acclaim you, who walk in the light of your presence, O Lord. They rejoice in your name all day long; they exult in your righteousness. For you are their glory and strength.”

Psalm 89:15-17 (NIV)

Some days we may not feel like rejoicing, but we have so much to rejoice about.

When we are complaining or grouchy it is like saying “God didn’t give me anything to rejoice about.” Our lives are filled with blessings and miracles. When you need to chase the grouchies away, start praying. Thank God for specific things He has done for you. Look around you. Blessings come in many shapes and sizes.

Put on a smile and do something for others. It could be you have had a long day and your children are fighting. Instead of getting angry thank God for your children and the do something fun with them. Tell your children you love them and rejoice that God made them.

Walk in God’s presence by having a godly attitude. Rejoice in each circumstance God allows in your life.We do not know the reasons why things happen, but God knows everything. He wants to bring us good.

“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”

Jeremiah 29:11 (NIV)

Make today a GOOD day!

Where do you turn when you need direction and help?

When we need direction and help, we should turn to God first. He has all the answers to any problem there is. His guidance is the best.

“Thou shalt guide me with thy counsel, and afterward receive me to glory.”

Psalm 73:24 (KJV)

We have God’s word to guide us, but sometimes we like to have a person on earth to talk to, get advice from, and receive encouragement to help us face our problems.

Jesus used stories to show His point. I have a true story to demonstrate my point to you.

My website is hosted by Mom Webs. I love their service. Many times I can solve problems on my own, but there are times I’m stumped. I know I can turn to Mom Webs (owned by Kelly McCausey, a Christian) and get a quick response, answer, and help to my problem. They go above and beyond to give me the best service and answer my questions. I am not a celebrity and the cost is very reasonable (as low as $5 a month) for this great service, yet they help me.

It’s nice to have someone who can help you. A person you can count on and know they want to help and encourage you is priceless.

When you need direction and help, seek out someone to talk to that is growing in the Lord and can give you guidance from God’s word. If I turned to my dog or a non-techie person about my web problem instead of Mom Webs for guidance, I would not get the sound and helpful answers I need. We need to choose who we talk to about our problems carefully so we will get good advice. Find a Christian friend, family member, or pastor to talk to about your needs.

Just as Mom Webs is reliable and I can turn to them for an answer, we should be available for others who need us.We may not always have an answer, but we can pray with others and give them scripture to encourage and guide them.

Mom Webs is friendly and I can trust them. They never make me feel bad for asking silly questions and they don’t sneak in any hidden fees. Encourage others who come to you. Don’t “charge” or humiliate them by breaking their confidence or blabbing to others about them. They should feel confident talking to you and know that you will give them advice based on God’s word and not just your opinion. If there is a problem they need more help with or if it is out of your control, help them find good Christian help and offer to go with them if necessary.

“Serve one another in love.”

Galatians 5:13 (NIV)

God is our ultimate guide and help. He gives us the Bible and others who can encourage, direct, and help us. I hope this true story about Mom Webs being a super host with great service has inspired you to reach out and help guide others in the direction God has for them.

Are you rooted in God’s Word?

We need to be nourished and fed by God’s word so we can grow and flourish into all God made us to be. Being rooted in God’s word helps us to communicate our beliefs effectively and encourage others.

Why is God’s Word important?

How can we be rooted in God’s word?

These are important questions. Find the answers and learn more in this excellent article “Rooted In The Word” by my dear friend Beth Jones at http://www.bethjones.net.

]]> http://lois-graham.com/rooted-in-the-word/feed/ 2 http://lois-graham.com/are-you-wearing-gods-goggles/ http://lois-graham.com/are-you-wearing-gods-goggles/#comments Sat, 12 Jun 2010 04:44:51 +0000 Lois Graham http://lois-graham.com/?p=917 A simple pair of swim goggles can transform a child into a super hero, a spy, or an aviator pilot. The possibilities are endless.

As adults we complicate our lives with “what ifs”, “can’ts”, and “but whats”. We have opportunities to share the gospel with others, but we let the “ifs” and “buts” get in our way.

My daughter, who was about six year years old at the time, shared with her aunt that God loved her and gave her a small paper note to remind her. That small note made an impact. Later on, we were told those few words and note turned her aunt’s heart toward God. The aunt realized the younger was teaching the older and that she was older and should be an example to others. God loved her and would help her!

We need to put on the super goggles God has given us, follow His plan for our lives, and put the “ifs”, “can’ts”, and “buts” behind us.

Put on the goggles God has given you so when satan tries to poke you in the eye you will be protected and know the truth.

• Prayer goggles – Go to God in prayer seeking His counsel.

• God’s word goggles – Read and apply God’s word to your life. Don’t read it and go about what you want to do. Do what God wants you to do.

• The truth goggles – Don’t listen to satan’s lies. Satan is tricky. He will try to deceive and discourage you anyway He can. Satan delights in seeing you give up on what God wants you to do. His lies are cunning and may look appealing, but you must search for God’s truth.

• A willing life goggles – Allow God to use your life, talents, and abilities. God can use you! No matter what season of life you are in God can use you if you come to Him, are ready to be used, and have a willing and broken for Him heart.

Moses said “what if” and “I can’t”. God showed Moses he could. We are told in Mark 10:27 (KJV) “And Jesus looking upon them saith, With men it is impossible, but not with God: for with God all things are possible.” Look at the impossible through God’s goggles. Be transformed by God’s power.

The possibilities are endless of how God can use you! Put on God’s goggles right now!

Let God use you then come back and leave a comment and share how God is using you for His glory. Let’s put on God’s goggles and make an impact on others.

The Scriptures are an important tool in growing a relationship with God. We learn, gain endurance, get encouragement and hope from the Bible. A Bible sitting on a shelf cannot help us. We must dig in and study it.

I received a Busy Mom’s Bible published by Zondervan Bibles I really like and thought it would be helpful to someone else. It helps you to dig into God’s word.The devotions, study helps, and reflect and praysections that come with this Bible are useful for men, women, teenagers, and children. This Bible is good way to teach children how to study the Bible. It is also made perfectly to take on the go or carry in your purse. Watch this video I made to see the Bible for yourself.

Dig into your Bible, study the Scriptures, and grow in God today!

Make this year count!

“If we are not intentionally turning hearts toward God, then we are just nice people pointing in the wrong direction.” – Paul A. Lewis

Do you want to have a bountiful year?

You can have a year that is overflowing with God’s love and blessings.

Seek God

Make time for prayer and Bible reading. Jesus knew this is important! He took time away from the crowds of people to be refreshed and renewed. We need to make time to be renewed in our fellowship with God. Life is busy. This shouldn’t be an excuse for not seeking God in our lives.

Serve God

You can serve God. Each person who is a child of God has physical and spiritual gifts. God wants you to use them for His honor and glory. Look around you. Are you just being a nice person or are you being an example of Christ by serving God? The disciples were not just nice people. They served God. Many times at the risk of their own lives. We do not not face many of the dangers they faced. This should be an inspiration for us to bring others to the Lord.

Are you ready for a big dose of inspiration, encouragement, and practical help? Do you want to be refreshed, revived, renewed, and rejuvenated?

Join me at the Ultimate Women’s Expo! I will be speaking on the topic of “Have a Bountiful Year”. This will be a time of refreshment and enjoyment! There is no deadline for joining in on this fun time of learning refreshment and bonus freebies.

Join me here:

http://www.lois-graham.com/ayearthatcounts.html

Cindy Rushton is donating a FREE ticket to the expo!!!!!!

Visit my Facebook Fan Page and look under the notes for details on how to win this ticket . The deadline for the drawing is Thursday, February 11′th at 11 PM EST.

We live our lives in an imaginary circle.

Inside the circle is our comfort zone. It is a place of security and what we are familiar with. Outside the circle are new and unfamiliar experiences.

Why should we go outside our circle? Is it really necessary?

Yes! There are new things to learn and places to go. People that God wants you to meet and opportunities to share how God has helped you.

Inside of our circle there are many things that we can do for God. If we stay inside our circle, we get comfortable and complacent.  We need to continually be stretching and reaching out of our circle.

Jesus gave the disciples and us a great command in Matthew 28:19-20 (KJV).

Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world. Amen.

God wants us to be an example with our life, share His Good news, and encourage others.

We must venture out of our circle and bless others. The disciples probably did many things that were not inside their circle. Think about the differences you would have going from being a fishermen to ministering to a crowd of thousands.

God has us leave our little circle in subtle ways and more dramatic ways. We are not alone.

Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world. Amen. – Matthew 28:20 (KJV)

God does not leave us alone. When we leave the comfort of our circle, God is there to comfort us. He will help us to do what is hard. We are not alone as we go through new learning experiences. God will help and bless us as we leave our circle to help and bless others.

Get Out Of Your Circle Today!

What is a friend?

The Bible says  “There is a friend that sticketh closer than a brother.” in Proverbs 18:24 (KJV)

God is your friend. You can go to Him at anytime for anything. He will never leave or forsake you.

Earthly friends may get busy with what is going on in their lives or desert you. God will never do that. If you have accepted His free, no strings attached gift of salvation you are His child. You will be His child forever. There is not anything that can separate His love and care. God cares about YOU! He would have died for you, even if you were the only person to give salvation too. There is no better friend than God.

Are lonely or overwhelmed?

God is their to wrap you in His loving arms. He will listen as you pour your heart out to Him. His ears never grow weary. We have His utmost and undivided attention. It is hard for our humans minds to comprehend how He can be there for so many people and still be one on one with us. That is what makes God magnificent. He is above all our comprehension, yet He is able to minister directly to us. No strings attached. His friendship is not based on what He gets in return. Although, we should honor and serve Him out of a heart of love for our Him.

God’s love is without limits.

He did not send His son Jesus to minister to only to the important, rich, and those of high status. God sent His son to the lowly, weak, and sinful.

A five year old’s response to what a friend is that they play with you and are kind. An adults response is that they encourage and listen to you. All of these are attributes of a friend. The season of life may be different, but the common need for a friend is the same. No matter what season of life you are in, God is your friend.

]]> http://lois-graham.com/is-god-your-friend/feed/ 4 http://lois-graham.com/learn-and-grow-through-circumstances/ http://lois-graham.com/learn-and-grow-through-circumstances/#comments Thu, 03 Dec 2009 22:52:33 +0000 Lois Graham http://lois-graham.com/?p=686

Can you imagine being Mary the mother of Jesus? What an indescribable gift and responsibility she was given.

Imagine with me. Mary is going about her day when an angel appears. The angel Gabriel, said to Mary that she was highly favoured and blessed (Luke 1:30). This is an amazing and jaw dropping moment! What would you think or do? It’s not everyday that you receive a compliment from an angel. The angel calmed Mary’s fears. He said “fear not Mary” and repeated that she had found favour with God.

To be told that you are favoured by God would be exciting! What a privilege it would be to have God say he has found favour in you. We should strive to have an attitude and be a person that God can be proud of. We are to have a God pleasing attitude, even when your boss has unreasonable expectations, your children are making a mess, or you have a final/deadline that is stressing you out. We are to build God’s name up and not tear it down with our words and actions.

The angel, Gabriel, goes on to tell Mary an important message from God in Luke 1:3o. “And the angel said unto her, Fear not, Mary: for thou hast found favour with God.” Think about the questions that must have been going through Mary’s mind.

When circumstances come into our life that we don’t understand, it is easy to question God. We do not need to understand all of the “whys” in life. God has a purpose. The angel Gabriel told Mary in Luke 1:37 “For with God nothing is impossible”. God is in control and has a plan for our lives. Trust God! He knows and will do what is best for us.

Mary rejoiced! In Luke 1:46-47, Mary says ” My soul doth magnify the Lord, and my spirit hath rejoiced in God my Saviour.” Mary could have chose to see this news as a tragedy. She choose to trust trust in God to care for her. The hard times came for Mary, but she stayed strong.

Can you imagine being ready to deliver a baby and have to take the trip that Mary did? When Ceasar Augustus decreed that the world should be taxed, Mary went with Joseph to Bethlehem. The trip from Nazareth to Bethlehem was not as simple as it would be today. Imagine expecting a child and walking or riding an animal this great distance. It must have been uncomfortable and tiring.

Our lives have become accustomed to a life of ease. If we go on a trip, we have the pleasure of riding in a comfortable vehicle and stopping at a restaurant to eat. This was not an option for Mary. She endured and kept going. We can find many things to complain about. Is life really that bad? Who or what does our complaining benefit?  Remember Mary when you are standing in line or sitting in traffic and feel like complaining.

That is not the end of the story. Mary and Joseph arrive in Bethlehem. When they arrived the inn was full. How discouraging! They made the long trip and were probably weary and tired. The only place to stay was with the animals.

Where would you pick to sleep? A barn or an inn? The inn would be more comfortable and pleasant. Often, God takes us out of our comfort zone. God wants us to to grow and rely on him. Luke 2 :7 tells us that Mary “brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn”.

Mary could look back and see how God had used her. We read in Luke 2:19 “Mary kept all these things, and pondered them in her heart”. Mary had special memories to look back at. Let what you do today be a good memory for tomorrow.

Have an attitude and be a person that God can look at with favour. Trust God and rejoice in all circumstances. Don’t complain or get discouraged. Go out of your comfort zone following God’s will. God has a plan for your life. Learn and grow through the circumstances that come your way!

We have many things that we can praise God for. All that we have is from God. He is the giver of everything. Even during troubles, trails, and discouragements there is always something that we can praise God for.

In life there are many obstacles that can easily discourage us. We can look to God for help and give him praise for what we have. Giving praise to God will help us to focus on what is good rather than what is trying to discourage us.

God wants us to praise him continually. Have a spirit of thanksgiving. Let this verse be a guide to you.

Psalms 34:1 says “I will bless the Lord at all times: his praise shall continually be in my mouth.” (KJV)

How can you praise God?

Through Song

Praise can be made by singing,  playing, or listening to music that uplifts the name of the Lord and turns your focus to the attributes and greatness of God.

James 5:13 “Is any one of you in trouble? He should pray. Is anyone happy? Let him sing songs of praise.” (KJV)

Psalm 7:17 “I will praise the LORD according to his righteousness: and will sing praise to the name of the LORD most high.” (KJV)

Reading Psalms

The book of Psalms in the Bible is an excellent way to read writings of praise. As you read let your heart rejoice. Pick a verse of praise and blessing to share with someone today.

Psalm 34:3 “O magnify the LORD with me, and let us exalt his name together.” (KJV)

By Praying

Pray for others. Thank God for the ways he has helped and provided for you. Ask God for opportunities and ways to help and uplift others. The apostle Paul was an encourager and knew the value of prayer and praise. He wrote Ephesians 1:16 to the saints at Ephesus.

Ephesians 1:16 “Cease not to give thanks for you, making mention of you in my prayers.” (KJV)

Encourage Others

Share verses of blessing or words of how God has blessed with others. Encourage them to look at the blessings God has so richly given.

2 Samuel 22:50 “Therefore I will give thanks unto thee, O LORD, among the heathen, and I will sing praises unto thy name.” (KJV)

Isaiah 63:7 “I will mention the lovingkindnesses of the LORD, and the praises of the LORD, according to all that the LORD hath bestowed on us, and the great goodness toward the house of Israel, which he hath bestowed on them according to his mercies, and according to the multitude of his lovingkindnesses.” (KJV)

Listen to:

Ways To Praise God

http://www.talkshoe.com/talkshoe/web/audioPop.jsp?episodeId=296082&cmd=apop

F – Foundation

Build a solid foundation for your family. There are many ups and downs in life. Strength from a secure foundation will help your family stand strong.

How do you build a strong foundation?

• Have the Lord Jesus Christ as the foundation of your home.

“For no one can lay any foundation other than the one already laid, which is Jesus Christ. If any man builds on this foundation using gold, silver, costly stones, wood, hay or straw, his work will be shown for what it is because the Day will bring it to light. It will be revealed with fire, and the fire will test the quality of each man’s work.” – I Corinthians 3:11-13 NIV

Try your best to keep your family focused on the Lord. When trials come you will be able to stand. It is never too late to build a foundation. You may have to work harder at it but the blessings will come.

A – Activities

Build upon your foundation by spending time together as a family doing activities. Time spent doing daily family devotions and having dinners together will help you to build strong walls. It is easy to let outside activities draw your family apart. Strive to do at least one fun activity together each week.

M – Memories

Make memories! Don’t let another day slip by without spending time together. The busyness of life is like a weed. It starts out small and then grows bigger and bigger. The fun memories that you can make as a family get choked out. Prioritize what is important to your family. Stay focused on that goal.

I – Important

Show your family that they are important. Take time to listen. Make eye contact and listen to what they are saying. Letting your mind wander will distract you from what they have to tell you.

Picture this in your mind. Johnny tells you he found a frog in the backyard. Your first thought is “I hope he didn’t bring it into the house.” If you listen to what he has to say you will find out that he watched the frog eat a bug. It was an amazing and important part of his day! You are important to him and he wanted to share this special memory with you.

Don’t miss out on small moments that are important to your family.

L – Love

Love is from God. 1 John 4:7 tells us “love one another: for love is of God”. Families often have disagreements. This should not keep us from loving each other.

The Bible tells of the prodigal son. “And he arose and came to his father. But when he was yet a great way off, his father saw him, and had compassion, and ran, and fell on his neck, and kissed him.”- Luke 15:20 KJV

Despite his son’s mistakes he loved him. Everyone makes mistakes. We can use them as a learning experience. Having someone love and help you through your mistakes will help you to learn and grow.

Y – Yourself

You are important to your family. They need you to be an example and teacher to them. Your priorities, values, and actions are being watched. Are you being a godly example?

Use the letters in FAMILY to build a strong family!

Quotes:

• A Constitution of Government once changed from Freedom, can never be restored. Liberty, once lost, is lost forever. – Letter to Abigail Adams (July 17, 1775)

• Our faith teaches that there is no safer reliance than upon the God of our fathers, who has so singularly favored the American people in every national trial, and who will not forsake us so long as we obey His commandments and walk humbly in His footsteps. -William McKinley’s inaugural address

• I deem the present occasion sufficiently important and solemn to justify me in expressing to my fellow citizens a profound reverence for the Christian religion, and a thorough conviction that sound morals, religious liberty, and a just sense of religious responsibility are essentially connected with all true and lasting happiness. – William Harrison’s inaugural address

• God who gave us life gave us liberty. Can the liberties of a nation be secure when we have removed a conviction that these liberties are the gift of God? Indeed I tremble for my country when I reflect that God is just, that his justice cannot sleep forever. Commerce between master and slave is despotism. Nothing is more certainly written in the book of fate than that these people are to be free. Establish a law for educating the common people. This it is the business of the state and on a general plan. – Shown on the Jefferson Memorial in Washington, D.C.

• The religion which has introduced civil liberty is the religion of Christ and His apostles, which enjoins humility, piety, and benevolence; which acknowledges in every person a brother, or a sister, and a citizen with equal rights. This is genuine Christianity, and to this we owe our free Constitutions of Government. – Noah Webster, 1832, History of the United States

• The general principles on which the fathers achieved independence were the general principles of Christianity. I will avow that I then believed, and now believe, that those general principles of Christianity are as eternal and immutable as the existence and attributes of God. – John Adams wrote this on June 28, 1813, in a letter to Thomas Jefferson.

• God who gave us life gave us liberty. And can the liberties of a nation be thought secure when we have removed their only firm basis, a conviction in the minds of the people that these liberties are of the Gift of God? That they are not to be violated but with His wrath? Indeed, I tremble for my country when I reflect that God is just; that His justice cannot sleep forever; That a revolution of the wheel of fortune, a change of situation, is among possible events; that it may become probable by Supernatural influence! The Almighty has no attribute which can take side with us in that event. – Thomas Jefferson Notes on the State of Virginia, Query XVIII, p. 237.

• It cannot be emphasized too strongly or too often that this great nation was founded, not by religionists, but by Christians; not on religions, but on the Gospel of Jesus Christ. For this very reason peoples of other faiths have been afforded asylum, prosperity, and freedom of worship here. – Patrick Henry The Trumpet Voice of Freedom: Patrick Henry of Virginia, p. iii.

Here are some freebies to help you teach your children. I encourage you to continue studying history and look for ways to impact our future.

Freebies:

* Pocket Constitution (pay only S&H), Games, and Puzzles
http://www.constitutionday.cc/

* Audios and Videos
http://kids.learnoutloud.com/Kids-Free-Stuff/History/American-History

This is not an endorsement for these sites.

How can you do a checkup on your spiritual life?

1. Take time to find a quiet spot that you can talk to God and listen to what he has for you to hear.

2.  Pray for wisdom to see any areas that might be causing problems James 1:5.

3.  Spend time in God’s Word listening for scriptures that contain God’s still, small voice 1 Kings 19:12.

I remember watching a commercial that had germs running around being pest and causing problems. The ad was for a cold medicine. It claimed to rid the body of these problem causing, cold pest. All you needed to do was take their medicine. Seeing the bugs will not fix the problem. Doing a checkup is not a fix it all. If there are areas in your life that need adjustment they must be fixed. You would not look at a glass that is filthy dirty with grime and continue to drink from it. When we see a problem in our life why then do we hope that it will go away on it’s own. A glass cannot wash itself. Problems need to be fixed. It is not always easy. Some problems are out of our control. In those situations how are we responding. Are we living our lives as a mirror image of God. David was a man after God’s own heart Acts 13:22. He was not perfect. His life was filled with difficulties. The God that David could go to with his problems is the same God that we have today. God is unchanging. Hebrews 13:8 says that Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, and to day, and forever. He hears our prayers and pleas for help. When we are hurting and troubled God wants us to come to him. Pour your heart out. Acknowledge that you are coming to him for help. If there is sin in your life repent and be made whole. Our problems are not always solved instantly.  We must continue to monitor our actions and be sure that they align with God’s word. God will help us.

Doing daily checkups and fixing problem areas in our life will keep molehills from turning into mountains.