Your Place of Encouragement
So turn to God! Give up your sins, and you will be forgiven. Then that time will come when the Lord will give you fresh strength. He will send you Jesus, his chosen Messiah. Acts 3:19-20 (CEV). It’s always time to do what is right, yet in times of crisis, doing what is right is
But we are citizens of heaven, where the Lord Jesus Christ lives. And we are eagerly awaiting for Him to return as our Savior. He will take our weak mortal bodies and change them into glorious bodies like His own, using the same power with which He will bring everything under His control. Philippians 3:20-21
And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. For those God foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brothers and sisters. And those he predestined,
I call to You from the depths of my being. Consider my anguish, even my breathing. All my emotions are enveloped in You, let all who relate remain ever true; let all with a need now, to break through. To You I cry out, emit pain as I shout; observers may pray, “help me to
“Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful.” Colossians 4:2. I have been in an unplanned time of fasting my written word. Prayer is taking even greater preeminence, and therefore I am compelled to come away; to spend time with my heavenly Father. When we spend time in prayer, God’s way permeates our perspective. We
Father, please help me by your Holy Spirit to live with revelation knowledge, that I may grow in patience, and do what is right. Please help me to love wisdom, and to learn all I can; so that my life will flourish and prosper. Please help me to be quick to forgive, as I walk
Good News Club is filled with activity, busy hearts and minds receiving the eternal seed of God. This month, we have been sharing aspects of the early Church with our club kids, and watching what Holy Spirit does best. We have the privilege of witnessing heartwarming, life transformation in our sweet first-graders. “Darren,” came to
“My grace is sufficient for you [My lovingkindness and My mercy are more than enough—always available—regardless of the situation]; for [My] power is being perfected [and is completed and shows itself most effectively] in [your] weakness.” Therefore, I will all the more gladly boast in my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ [may completely
Many hardships and perplexing circumstances confront the righteous, but the LORD rescues him from them all. Psalm 34:19 AMP. What we focus on grows. Since I know that hardships and perplexing circumstances are part of life; it’s in my best interest (and therefore the best interest of those around me), that I focus on God’s
Your days are numbered by Me; how you function in those days is up to you.
I am the Vine and you are the branches. Get your life from Me. Then I will live in you and you will give much fruit. You can do nothing without Me. John 15:5 NLV. God is the vine we are the branches. We live and move and have our being. His Word is love,
As my heart pounds it aches as well; what is happening? I’m an empty shell! When will my heart find its relief? What must I do to end this grief? My mother is not well, she’s become frail. She’s tired from being on the medical trail. She’s done with tests, shots, and more; she thinks
And in the midst of everything be always giving thanks, for this is God’s perfect plan for you in Christ Jesus. Never restrain or put out the fire of the Holy Spirit. I Thessalonians 5:18-19 TPT. Offering up words of thanks (God’s perfect plan) for anything we can think of; gives us the “10,000-foot perspective.” When
For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, declares the Lord. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts. Isaiah 55:8-9 (ESV). Do you hesitate to say “I don’t know,” in response to those WHY
But the Lord is faithful, and He will strengthen you [setting you on a firm foundation] and will protect and guard you from the evil one. II Thessalonians 3:3 (AMPC). As we walk amidst the shifting sands of our culture, we can have assurance that “the Rock that is higher than I,” is with us.
You will show me the way of life, granting me the joy of your presence and the pleasures of living with you forever. Psalm 16:11 (NLT). In those times when direction seems unclear or non-existent, wisdom dictates that we turn to Jesus. But, if you are like me, that is not always the first response. I
Living a life of love is for real; Objective and caring perspective. Vital incarnate kindness that heals, Eternally we are love’s captive. Illuminating what is right, Saturates with purest light. Participate don’t be partial, Abide in harmony with truth. Teach long-suffering to martial; Intuitive, caring, never uncouth. Entreat, inquire, without assumption. No “eye
Let sorrow go when it seems time Eliminate sadness, to happiness climb. Avert to joy that you can choose, Value the memories love accrues; Enter His courts with praise, hands raised. Become one with a brighter outlook, Ease your mind with a book; Having lost, you can love again. Into new life, from depression
He has delivered us from the power of darkness and conveyed us into the kingdom of the Son of His love, in whom we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins. Colossians 1:13-14 NKJV. Temptation (the power of darkness) is all around in every form. I believe the most dangerous temptation there is,
Dear Ones, don’t allow notions based in human reasoning direct you. Let God’s Spirit be your guide. Press into His Word and it will press into you. You will speak it, know it, and most importantly think it. Then you will sense more of God’s love. Don’t wear yourself out trying to figure out things
Joy, joy, joy, sing for joy, shout for joy, worship the King, the source of joy! I just read a psalm I wrote two years ago about joy. Even though I wasn’t experiencing joy at the time of the reading; by the time I finished, I wanted to write about joy. Here’s the psalm: I
For the Lord is the Spirit, and wherever the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom. So all of us who have had that veil removed [received Jesus as our Savior] can see and reflect the glory of the Lord. And the Lord—who is the Spirit—makes us more and more like Him as we
“There can be no keener revelation of a society’s soul than the way in which it treats its children.” Nelson Mandela Our children and youth need Hope, they need to be loved and cherished. May we be the one’s to bring them the love of Christ, and the best news they will ever hear!
Only wisdom that comes from heaven can imbue one’s life with lasting purpose. F. La Gard Smith. The book of Ecclesiastes seems repulsive with Solomon’s negativity. What Solomon brings into focus is what happens to our perspective when we turn our back on God; when we have “other gods before Him,” our focus becomes skewed.
May we see with 2020 vision what the LORD is about to do before our eyes! 2019 has been wonderful, but I believe it will pale by comparison to what God is about to do in 2020. I pray a blessing over our community, and look forward to sharing more of what God has in
Great Truth & Promise The rarest treasures of life are found in His truth. That’s why I prize God’s Word like others prize finest gold. Nothing brings the soul such sweetness as seeking His living words. For they warn us, His servants, and keep us from following the wicked way, giving a lifetime guarantee; great
14 children, 10 volunteers, 4 crafts, 2 songs, 2 games, and 1 story: This was an Extreme Christmas Celebration with the children at a church in our area: Images by: M. Mckein, Stux, Gellinger I pray that 2020 will be a year of God’s people seeing clearly the vision and purpose that God has
May the joy of knowing that the Savior has come, fill your heart to overflowing. Knowing that His gift of salvation is free with the promise of life abundant and life eternal. If you or someone you know needs this free gift, I pray His love breaks through in tangible ways, bringing peace, hope, love,
Behold, He is coming with the clouds, and every eye will see Him, even those who pierced Him; and all the tribes of the earth shall gaze upon Him and beat their breasts and mourn and lament over Him. Revelation 1:7 AMPC. “He is coming with the clouds, and every eye will see Him.” What
There was a man sent from God whose name was John…. He himself was not the light; he came only as a witness to the light. John 1:6,8. We too, are called to be witnesses to the light, which is Christ Jesus. We do this by decreasing self: “I must decrease and He must increase.”
The people walking in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of deep darkness a light has dawned. Isaiah 9:2. It is through the cracks of our brokenness that we see God’s light; which allows God to flow to us and through us to those around us. Those of us
His joy is our strength for this life In His presence is no strife Speaking His Word to evil a knife. Jesus came to bring life forever more Overcoming evil, just what’s in store Yes, rejoice! He’s the open door. In all things believe and pray Sing and make merry through the day.
I felt the wealth as I sat remembering our after-school Bible club today. Gratitude swelled in my heart as I recounted what God had done for these children. Pete: In our club last week, “Pete” was disruptive and argumentative. He would blurt out disagreeable thoughts, and he informed us that his mother had extensive talks
“I know the plans I have for you, to give you a future and a hope”. Jeremiah 29:11 If you or anyone you know would be interested in offering a future and a hope to our children, please feel free to forward this along. Otherwise, please know how much Ken and I appreciate your prayers
Deception feeds perception, so if our thoughts are not anchored in Christ Jesus, we can and will believe whatever sounds right, or aligns with human logic. Deception| perception versus truth| faith: When we read and know God’s Word, the Bible, we build the foundation of faith. This is critical because the very nature of deception
The Spirit of the LORD will rest on Him – the Spirit of wisdom and of understanding, the Spirit of counsel and of might, the Spirit of knowledge and of the fear of the Lord. Isaiah 11:2 As we who believe God and His Word anticipate the return of Jesus the Messiah, these words from
And [may] the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:7. This is my prayer for us all. May we be grateful and filled with peace as we consider not so much the things in our lives, but the God who makes life possible. May
Do you wish you could pause the pace of the holiday season? To press “pause” and resume a peaceful pace is at hand, How? I’m so glad you asked: Abide, be devoted to the true and living God. Pour your heart out before Him, and give Him first place residence in your heart. From this
You have made known to me the ways of life; You will enrapture me [diffusing my soul with joy] with and in Your presence – Acts 2:28 (AMPC). What about those moments when God diffuses our soul with joy? He gives us understanding in this life, and then enraptures us. What a picture of God’s
The leaves have faded and fallen. I watched as they floated to the ground like snow. They crunch underfoot, as if to rejoice that their mission has been accomplished. But as for the children of God, we are called to praise. While nature is in the process of tucking itself in for the winter, our
One Grateful Person Tag Thank You Maxine for thinking of me for this tag. Gratitude is essential to a joyful life, and the liberty that comes as a result. Maxine is an encouraging voice in our community and reading her words is a blessing for the soul. Purpose of this tag: To Highlight the Grateful
At that time the disciples came to Jesus, saying, “Who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?” And calling to him a child, he put him in the midst of them and said, “Truly, I say to you, unless you turn and become like children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.” (Matthew
You do not delight in sacrifice, or I would bring it; you do not take pleasure in burnt offerings. My sacrifice, O God, is a broken spirit; a broken and contrite heart You, God, will not despise. Psalm 51:16 (NIV). This verse is counterculture. And Jesus is our antidote. As we excavate character traits that
I just read this post on “Fresh Whispers.” The call to love others who believe in Jesus. Please visit Fresh Whispers to experience an encouraging direction regarding loving fellow Christians. I would love to hear your thoughts on loving one another. Blessings, Jacquie ♥ Feature Image: Pinterest
For the Lord God is a sun and shield; the Lord bestows favor and honor. No good thing does he withhold from those who walk uprightly. Psalm 84:11 (ESV). At a time when least expected, At a time when least deserved, It comes and I feel protected; Grace and mercy steadfastly served. Awash in
We know how much God loves us, and we have put our trust in his love. God is love, and all who live in love live in God, and God lives in them. And as we live in God, our love grows more perfect. So we will not be afraid on the day of judgment,
Let’s not forget how great and awesome our God truly is. God’s voice is powerful, and can make All things align with His will. So, may our first response to any situation be, “I love and trust God to handle this.” For “greater is He that is in me, than he that is in the
In this life there are trials to bear We cry sometimes scream, sensing no one there. Have we come all this way to be let down? Or is there a hope contradicting a frown? Life has its joys and incredible journeys, Outrageous odysseys and prayerful pleas; Seeking and searching we drop to our knees.
We participated in the Harvest Festival last week at a local church. It was a joy to minister to children ages 3-10 years of age. The atmosphere was charged with brotherly love, homemade soups and stews, as well as cakes, pies, cookies, and more. The Wordless Book was shared with approximately 46 children. (We were
How often do you lift up your arms to heaven just to say to God- Thank you? The 1 Grateful Person Tag is based on Luke 19 and the account of Jesus with the 1 out of ten lepers he healed who came back thank him. Let us aspire to be like the 1 who
But Moses told the people, “Don’t be afraid. Just stand where you are and watch, and you will see the wonderful way the Lord will rescue you today. Exodus 14:13a (TLB). In response to these words from Exodus, a psalm poured forth: Your love circles me with songs of deliverance. My God and my King,
Do You Wonder Why? Feel free to click on the link above to watch a short video with your kids that will let them know God loves them and understands how they are feeling. CEF will be posting shortened Good News Clubs on YouTube, if you would like to check them out. The first posting
My son, do not let wisdom and understanding out of your sight, preserve sound judgment and discretion; they will be life for you, an ornament to grace your neck. Then you will go on your way in safety, and your foot will not stumble. When you lie down, you will not be afraid; when you lie down, your
O Israel, hope in the Lord; for He is loving and kind and comes to us with armloads of salvation. Psalm 130:7 TLB. When in the midst of life circumstance, I just need to remember that I can tell God what I feel, for His love is so real. We need to Trust God’s Word,
