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.

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/a-year-that-counts/ http://lois-graham.com/a-year-that-counts/#comments Tue, 09 Feb 2010 18:17:47 +0000 Lois Graham http://lois-graham.com/?p=793

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.

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

I woke up this morning with the song “The Joy Of The Lord Is My Strength” in my head.

The joy of the Lord is my strength,

The joy of the Lord is my strength,

The joy of the Lord is my strength,

O, the joy of the Lord is my strength.

Having this song in my head was a wonderful way to stay positive during the day. It gives you a reason to smile. We are not alone on our journey through life. The Lord is an all powerful help in time of need.

This song comes from Nehemiah 8:10 “For the Joy of the Lord is your strength”.

Be excited and find joy in what the Lord has done and will do for you. He is the giver of all things. We can go to him and be strengthened. Cast your cares and disappointments on him.

Smile! God loves you! Find strength in the joy of the Lord today.

You can defeat discouragement! Everyone faces discouragement at some point in their life. The Bible tells us Nehemiah faced opposition and could have easily become discouraged. Not doing anything or giving up was an option for Nehemiah. He choose to go to the Lord God for guidance as he faced opposition.

Are you discouraged?

Nehemiah 1:4 tells us that when Nehemiah heard the news that the wall of Jerusalem was broken and the gates burned, that he prayed. He was distraught. In sorrow he prayed to the Lord, asking him to be attentive to his prayer.

Nehemiah was the king’s cupbearer. The king could see that Nehemiah had a sorrowful heart, when he brought his drink. Our burdens and sorrows may not be visible to others, but they are real. The burden you carry is always visible to the Lord. The Lord knew the burden that Nehemiah carried was great. Nehemiah was not alone. The Lord had a plan and was using Nehemiah for a greater purpose. Often, we cannot see beyond the here and now. The future looks dreary. The Lord can see the whole picture, not the small piece that we are looking at. He has a plan and will help us carry our burden.

The king gave Nehemiah supplies and the okay to rebuild the city. Nehemiah went outside the city and viewed the broken down walls. At one place even the animal he rode on could not go through. He could have said “this is hopeless” and given in to discouragement. Instead, he gathered people together and encouraged them. As humans in times of sorrow we want to feel sorry for ourselves. We are not the only person who carries a burden. Gather together with others and encourage one another in the Lord.

Nehemiah continued to face opposition and ridicule. He did not give in to discouragement, but took the problems to the Lord in prayer. The Lord heard and helped Nehemiah. Jerusalem’s broken walls were repaired and the people strengthened and encouraged by trusting in the Lord.

When you are feeling discouraged:

• Go to the Lord in prayer and tell him what is in your heart.

• Strengthen yourself in the promises of the Lord.

• Gather together with others and encourage each other in the Lord.

Together with the Lord you can defeat discouragement !

Listen to:

Help For Discouragement

2 Chronicles 14:11 NKJV

This is what Asa King of Judah cried out to the Lord as he faced an army of a million men. He was outnumbered and at a disadvantage. He knew that he needed to get strength and power from the Lord. The Lord heard his cry for help and gave him victory. Not only did Judah have victory but the Lord blessed them with “exceedingly much spoil”.

What are you facing today? The Lord is there for you. Call out to the Lord and ask for help. Then rest in his power. You may not be facing a million men but your problem or need is important to the Lord.  Proverbs 20:22 says “Wait for the Lord, and He will save you.”

Take your problems, request, and needs to the Lord today. Pour out your heart and rest in his strength.

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.