Words of Encouragement ~ Christian

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What a great movie! I saw it yesterday. Riveting!

During the course of the movie there is a scene where a young man begins to draw back just before the charge. He’s frightened and does not want to go out into the battlefield.

It was later that I began to think of people who live in the middle of a battlefield. Some will courageously forge ahead and others will stay put. It’s there, it’s real and they’re afraid to face it. Today a battlefield could be the past which still haunts you and makes you angry or sad. It’s always there. A battlefield could be issues that play over and over again in your mind and you just can’t forget it. I’t's always there. A battlefield could be bad habits. Overextended credit cards, lying, cheating, speaking poorly of our spouses and children instead of loving them in word and deed. It’s always there.  Still calling yourself the victim, “No one knows how hurt I am, no one understands!”  It’s always there.

There is one word that my husband always says to me when I’m going around again about something I should just drop. He says, “Linda, DECIDE.”

As I reflect on this past year, I can recall the majority of disappointments were by my own hand. I can’t blame anyone or anything but myself. Decisions I made too hastily or without counsel did not end up very well.

In the movie where the young lad is terrified to go to battle, his sergeant screams, “TODAY WE DO NOT RETREAT!”
I loved that. It will be one of my mottos for 2012!

Did you know whenever we’re tempted we can say, “Today we do not retreat!” Why? Because God knows the answers to everything we need before we even ask. If we can put our trust in Him and seek His counsel and His peace on the matter we will not retreat to our old ways of doing things. Old ways that never did us any good in the first place.

God has a storehouse of riches for us. Make room for the riches of spiritual insight, all your needs met, a relationship so in love with Him so you too can say, “TODAY WE DO NOT RETREAT!”

But our way is not that of those who draw back to eternal misery (perdition) and are utterly destroyed, but we are of those who believe [who cleave to and trust in and rely on God through Jesus Christ, the Messiah] and by faith preserve the soul. Hebrews 10:39

James 1:5-7 says this: “If any of you is deficient in wisdom, let him ask of  the giving God [Who gives] to everyone liberally and ungrudgingly, without reproaching or faultfinding, and it will be given him.

Only it must be in faith that he asks with no wavering (no hesitating, no doubting). For the one who wavers (hesitates, doubts) is like the billowing surge out at sea that is blown hither and thither and tossed by the wind.

For truly, let not such a person imagine that he will receive anything [he asks for] from the Lord,

In Proverbs 4:7 says “Wisdom is the principle thing…” It’s THE MAIN THING!

In 2011 how many unwise decisions did you make? I love it that the Lord says “I’ll give you wisdom if you just ask. Not only that but I’ll give it to you liberally without a grudge or deciding if you should have it or not because you’re not so smart anyway!!! He’ll just give it to us!

Wisdom…it’s the main thing for stepping into 2012. Asking God to direct us with His thoughts, His plans, His Words will only give us a year full of favor, abundance and more of Him in our lives.

WISDOM will prevent you from downfalls, broken relationships, empty bank accounts, loneliness, unmet goals. WISDOM makes you smarter.

Seek out THE MAIN THING before your new year begins. It’ll be a great step towards the knowledge of what is true or right. WISDOM is of God…WISDOM is God.

While I was getting ready to attend Bible Study I remembered I wanted to take our church bookstore lady a gift. I really hadn’t picked anything specific for her but knew that I needed to get her a gift today. I went into the kitchen an picked up one of my beautiful large snowflake sugar cookie and wrapped it in a clear cellophane bag then I looked a the table where I was wrapping gifts and there was a small package of magnetic book markers I had purchased in China Town when I visited my mom in California. I wrapped it up and put it in a little bag. I thought, “This is a perfect THANK YOU, for all she does!”

When I arrived at church I placed it in the bookstore and in passing told her there was just a little something for her. Bible Study was great and when it was over I went into the store and she said, “I have something to tell you. Not to make you sad but I want to tell you something. First of all, I didn’t bring any food today so I was so happy to see the cookie and also the book mark magnets are something I used to have but lost them and wondered if they were ever made again and here they are! But there is something else. I had a lot of bills for health reasons this year and this is the first time we have ever been found in the red. Last week I didn’t have gas money and we haven’t purchased groceries in a while either.”

As I listened to her I realized there was something at work here…God. She said, “We haven’t told anyone about this but we’re believing God to bring us through.” I said, “You know God is faithful and his answers are always yes and amen. I agree with you that He will bring you through this.

As I drove home I said out loud, “Father God, I believe you will turn this situation around before Christmas because you are our Father and you give us good gifts. I don’t know how you will do it. But I want to thank you for doing it before Christmas. Because you’re children do not live in lack!”

Today, the day before Christmas Eve, she called in a very excited voice to say that there are a few thousand dollars in their account. She doesn’t know what happened and you know, it doesn’t matter. God makes good on His promises. He loves to take care of His children.

A cookie and a little gift, both having significant meaning opened the door for her to share her heart with me and agree with her in prayer that God would intervene on their situation…and He did. Because He’s God and “For all the promises of God in Him are YES…” 2 Corinthians 1:20 THIS IS TRUTH IN ACTION.

My friend in France, Olivier has a saying, “Go gently.”  He always says this when we land at his bed and breakfast and we’re going up to our room.  In other words, “Don’t hurry.”

Mailing our last Christmas package this morning I waited in the car for Robert.  Within fifteen minutes I watched a car pull out in front of another car, a car almost rear-end a bus, a car cut off a person on a bicycle and another car turning right in front of another person on a bicycle.  I thought to myself, “What’s on their mind?”

What’s on your mind lately?  What have you been thinking about as you’ve shopped, wrapped gifts, prepared your home for guests.  Perhaps you’re alone while you watch others with their spouses go here and there.  Perhaps you’re tired of being alone.  I heard one woman say she would be glad when this holiday was over.  Perhaps your heart is still wounded.  Maybe finances have been extremely tight and gifts are sparse.

Isaiah 26:3  says, “He will keep in perfect peace him whose mind is stayed on You, because He trusts in You.”  Perfect peace? Is there such a thing?  Yes, in Jesus Christ there is.  Even in the scramble of the next two weeks if you’ll but set your gaze on Him, He will keep you in a state of peace and joy.  That’s His promise.  If you’ll look into His word He’ll love you with comfort and joy.  Father God knows how to mend, comfort and supply.  Oh yes, He is the source of everything you need in this life.

When everything else seems to be failing there is Jesus for He NEVER fails.  He never fails to deliver to those who turn their hearts towards Him.  He is your answer to whatever concerns you…for He cares and loves you better than anyone else in the world could possibly try to love you.  Go gently!

We cut down a sixteen foot tree two weeks ago.  It’s amazing!  There are over 1,200 lights and the ornaments always bring back memories of places we’ve been as well as loving gifts from friends who have passed on.  Gifts are accumulating under the tree.  Most of them are for the grandchildren.  The stockings grace our mantel and the porch is beautifully lit as well as trees in the front yard.  So much preparation.  Menus to prepare and cookies to bake.  The house will soon be buzzing with Matt, Nancy, Ellie and Nate.  Oh yes, Ranger will be coming as well.  Lots of laughter and oohs and ahhs will grace our home.

Everything is beautiful not just because of the lights and decor, the gifts and the menus.  Everything is beautiful because the Truth came in the form of a child.  I often hear people say, “Oh Jesus had such a humble beginning!”  Actually, the Truth was announced to shepherds in a field by a host of heavenly angels.  Imagine the sky filled with celestial beings…breathtaking!  And a star, a great star was the compass for the three wise men in search of a new born King.  Now that is an announcement!

The Truth is in the Gospel of Jesus Christ.  He came that we might have life and have it more abundantly.  He came so that we would not live in lack, poor health and fear.  The Truth brought the hope of Jesus to the world.

Does the Truth live in your heart today?  Jesus is waiting for you to lay down what easily disturbs you.  He is waiting for you to surrender all your cares over to Him because He cares for you.  He is waiting because He loves you.

Make history today in your life and invite Jesus to live within you.  Watch the changes that will develop and the plans and purposes He has ordained for your life come to fruition.  All this is only found in Him, the Truth.

He came as a child and walked this earth doing great and wonderful miracles.  But the greatest miracle of all was when someone gave their heart to Him.  Miracles transform and heal.  Old things pass and the new is present.  Oh, how He yearns for you to lean into Him and say, “Yes, I want you as my Lord.  Forgive me of my sins and make me clean.  Whiter than snow.  Thank you for sending your precious Son to deliver us from darkness.  Do come in and be my Lord!”

We had a great time visiting with my family in California.  For once, all siblings in the same room at the same table!  I hadn’t seen my brother Al in so long.  It was great to catch up.  Mom was delighted!

I didn’t expect it, but mom asked me to give the blessing.  What an honor.  It was later that I realized I was giving thanks for the giving.  What does that mean?  I was thanking God for all the prayers mom had given up to Him and released so that our lives would be healthy and prosperous.  I was thanking God for His giving of blessings and for giving us His Son, Jesus Christ so that we could be reconciled back to Him.

My other brother David gave his time in Vietnam and now is in a leadership position at his church.  My sister, Carol is always giving and incredibly generous to all she comes in contact with.  Richard, her husband is so compassionate truly showing the love of God to all.

My husband and I have not stopped smiling since we’ve arrived home.  We are so grateful to the givers in word, deed and example.  Thank you all who give with great abandon and ask for nothing in return nor look for accolades and recognition.  Thanks for the giving!

My sweet husband is making amazing progress since his hip replacement surgery.  He’s up for a 6 AM workout, then we sit and pray out loud together, have breakfast and attend to the day set before us.  I know this sounds funny, but he reminds me of a scripture. “This is the day the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it.”  Psalm 118:24

When does he remind me of this?  When he quietly gets ready and then comes over to my bedside, gently kisses me and pets Thunder.  Without him saying it to me I can hear, “Linda, this is the day the Lord has made.  He made it just for you.  For you to enjoy, be productive, seek out those who need a loving touch of the Savior, cook, do laundry, drive a great car, knit with your friends.  Linda, He made this day for you to rejoice in, not to be moody or sad but to be joyful in all you do.”

Are you joyful in all you do?  Do you love what you do?  There is a Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ who takes pleasure in our joy.  To be full of Him is to have a life of contentment.

If you have never invited Jesus to be a part of your life there is no better time than this time.  Why?  This life is so temporary and there is one who wants to steal your joy and all that God has for you.  This one has lied to you, stolen from and destroyed things in your life that only you know about.  BUT GOD knows how to give you eternal life, a life of joy and peace.  He will never lie, steal or destroy.  Only God knows how to heal, restore, and love with an everlasting love.  Will there still be bumps in the road, you bet because we life in this world not in the Father’s world yet.  But what a great advocate to have on our behalf.  Come on, what are you waiting for?  Make Jesus the Lord of your life today, you have have nothing to lose and everything, everything to gain!!

Say this prayer out loud and let me know if you have invited the King of Kings and Lord of Lord in your life:

“Father God, I ask that you forgive me of sins committed and make me clean.  In asking this you cleanse my heart and my past and I make room for you to live within me, to guide me, speak to me, love me through this life until we see each other face to face.  Thank you for Jesus, who died and rose on the third day to make a place for me in your kingdom.  I receive you this day as the Lord of my life.  Thank you, Thank you in Jesus’ name for loving me so much!”

I always find it amazing when the Lord places people in my life to guide me and counsel me along the way.  I’m grateful for their wisdom and insight.  Not only do they share their hearts they also demonstrate the love of God in quiet and humble ways.  I appreciate correction for when I do step off the way, whether it was in deed or words, they are there to gently correct me and edify me.

I realize that God uses people to speak to me and I love it!  He speaks beautifully through my pastors, through leadership in my church and close loving friends.  That’s why it is so critical to be in a Word/Faith church.

Listen to The Message Bible, Proverbs 3:5-12

Trust God from the bottom of your heart;

don’t try to figure out everything on your own.

Listen for God’s voice in everything you do, everywhere you go;

he’s the one who will keep you on track.

Don’t assume that you know it all.

Run to God! Run from evil!

Your body will glow with health,

your very bones will vibrate with life!

Honor God with everything you own;

give him the first and the best.

Your barns will burst,

your wine vats will brim over.

But don’t, dear friend, resent God’s discipline;

don’t sulk under his loving correction.

It’s the child he loves that God corrects;

a father’s delight is behind all this.

My prayer today is that you will surround yourself with people who build you up and not tear you down.  I pray that you will discover how precious time is; not to be wasted on groaning over the past, idle petty conversations but rather time well spent in His presence, confessions of faith and love that shape you into His character.

Have a great day!

I am so tickled!!  I never thought I’d say that or even know what it means until I received a phone call from my grandson from college!!  ”Hi Grandma!”  His voice was like music to my ears and his enthusiasm of first year and new friends just kept me beaming. Bobby is very newsy and very informed so conversation is a plus and joy with him.

Did you know how you could brighten someones day with a phone call?  Especially when you deliver good news with a smile?  I smiled all day and I’m still smiling today.

Jesus gave us good news!  He came and gave His life so that we would not live in darkness but in the light of His love and forgiveness.  He came so that we too could pass on that good news that even if things appear to be on the downswing His news swings us back up again to a life of peace.  His good news is life everlasting!  I love good news!!!

What’s the first thing you say when you wake up?  You can set the course of your day by the attitude of your heart and mouth.  I so look forward to my morning walks.  I’m grateful for my health and strength and my moments to converse with the Lord.

There is a pond I pass everyday but I’ve never stopped to admire it.  I like to bring my iPhone not to answer calls or spend time talking as I’m walking.  I like to snap photos and send them to my husband.  He’s getting stronger all of the time and soon he’ll be walking with me.

The brilliant oranges and yellows dazzling from the trees that lined the pond created a great reflection.  As I was shooting away, I was thanking God out loud for my husband and his strength and diligence in exercising his new hip and muscles.  I was thanking God that my husband always tells me “thank you” when I cook him a meal.  He always tells me he loves me.  I was so grateful this morning for the life we lead in Jesus Christ.

When I was done shooting I picked up the pace up then down the hill.  Then I saw a familiar car.  The window rolled down and my husband said, “I’ve come to take you to breakfast!”

Over a lovely breakfast we talked about things that we needed to pray about together.  So we scurried home and prayed as the Holy Spirit led him to pray.

Had I awoken a different way would I have received the blessings of the Lord flow so beautifully today?  Proverbs 14:12 says, “There is a way that seems right to a man, but in the end it leads to death.”

I could have personally sabotaged my own day, as well as my husbands, by speaking how cold it was outside and what a drag it is to exercise.  I could have not prayed over my husband.  I would certainly not have had a grateful heart.  I could have killed the day and hindered all the blessings by not seeing God’s way.  AND THE DAY ISN’T EVEN OVER!!!

Just as the pond reflected the beauty around it, there is a beauty within us when the life of God, His likeness, shines out of us.  His life leads the way to blessings, joy, happiness and peace.  His life is the way.  When we follow it we will learn how to delight in Him, when we stay on His way we won’t get lost or confused.  When we stay in His way we reflect what the world needs to see.  Jesus is the way…to life not death.