Category: Encouragement

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First Steps

Many of us have had the experience of watching our child take their first steps. What a joy! But let’s remember all the coaxing and encouragement we gave leading up to that momentous occasion.

“You can do it!” ” Look at you – you are such a big girl (big boy)!” “I’ll catch you.”

Words of love, kindness and pride flowing from a patient parent’s heart. No chastising, ridicule or harassment. No! Taking first steps is a big deal and we wrap the step-taker with arms of love and then praise the accomplishment.

But this isn’t a one off experience. It will be repeated again and again with each new surface beneath their feet – tile floors, carpet, sidewalks, grass, wood chips and the ever shifting beach sand.

I remember the first time we took our youngest daughter to the beach. She had just learned to walk and I didn’t think anything about it when we walked out on the sand. As we stood there a small wave washed over our feet and then receded. When it did the sand beneath her toes began to move and shift. The expression on her face was one of perplexity and amazement. She picked up first one foot and then the other. But she kept her balance and we all laughed and clapped for her.

Love is patient, Love is kind!

“Love is kind and patient, never jealous, boastful, proud, or rude.” I Corinthians 13:4 CEV

All throughout life we experience many new things:

  • talking
  • walking
  • sleeping through the night
  • sharing
  • eating
  • reading
  • writing
  • operating the TV remote
  • learning a new computer program
  • driving
  • surfing
  • dancing
  • cooking
  • sewing
  • loving
  • forgiving
  • understanding
  • encouraging

And these are just a few of life’s basics, they are some of our “first steps”. As we learn, we all need someone’s encouraging words to keep going, keep trying, don’t give up! If we don’t receive that encouragement anywhere else we will always receive it from our Heavenly Father. He is love incarnate!!

“All who declare that Jesus is the Son of God have God living in them, and they live in God. 16 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.” I John 4:15-16 NLT

He cheers us on each hour of every day. He is patient with us and His words are always kind. If we listen with our hearts we will hear Him encouraging us every step of the way.

Our first steps are important to the Father!

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The First Report Isn’t Final

Yesterday I had the opportunity to share with a friend something I had heard a Bible teacher friend say years and years ago. The depth of this statement is sometimes lost in its simplicity.

“The first report is not the last report.”

We need to guard our hearts when we receive a first report of bad news. The report may contain devastating information but our loving Father is in the news re-creation business. Society may say that our actions are unforgiveable but God says forgiven, washed cleaned.

A few days ago I gave you the highlights of Joseph’s life. The first report his brothers gave their father was “Joseph is dead”. But, the last report came thirteen years later when those same brothers went to the father and said we need to go to Egypt, Joseph is alive.

The banker may say “bankrupt” but God’s word says He will supply all our needs. The doctor may say “terminal” but God says I will forgive all your sins and heal all your diseases. Business critics may say “you’ve failed, you’ll never recover” but the Lord promises that we can do all things through Christ who is our strength.

“They will not be afraid of bad news. They are confident because they trust in the Lord. 8 They remain confident and without fear, so they defeat their enemies.” Psalm 112:7-8 ERV

The first report is not the last report. Don’t be afraid of bad news, instead be confident and trust the Lord.

There was a dark and terrible day. A man, who had only done good, was convicted of a horrible crime and sentenced to die. His mother stood silent as she watched His execution. The first report was “he’s dead – put him in a tomb”. However, three days later there was another report, the final report, which was “go tell my disciples that I have risen from the dead”. Jesus is the essence of a good, final report!

The first report of our life may contain news of our failures and shortcomings, our weaknesses and defeat. But the last report, the final report, is still being written and it will read

“We thank God for the power Christ has given us. He leads us and makes us win in everything.” II Corinthians 2:14a NLT

Don’t give up – wait for the final report!

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End of the Weak

Many of you are at the end of another work week and all of us are almost at the end of the month of January. Oh my, that went by so quickly!

How many times has worry captured our attention and weakened our resolve in the past few weeks? How many times have we ended the day exhausted and stressed out because of the circumstances we have faced?

“Jesus said to his disciples: I tell you not to worry about your life!” Luke 12:22

It just doesn’t get much plainer than that. This isn’t a suggestion or a nice idea and it’s not an impossible concept. It is a direct admonition from Jesus and because of that He must have the solution to our propensity for worry.

Plain – simple – truth! I love that the Lord knew we would have multiple opportunities to worry each day yet His instruction is that we do the exact opposite. How can this be?

He knows something we all should be learning daily. He knows how much the Father loves and cares for us.

“Don’t worry about having something to eat or wear. 23 Life is more than food or clothing. 24 Look at the crows! They don’t plant or harvest, and they don’t have storehouses or barns. But God takes care of them. You are much more important than any birds. 25 Can worry make you live longer? 26 If you don’t have power over small things, why worry about everything else?

27 Look how the wild flowers grow! They don’t work hard to make their clothes. But I tell you that Solomon with all his wealth wasn’t as well clothed as one of these flowers. 28 God gives such beauty to everything that grows in the fields, even though it is here today and thrown into a fire tomorrow. Won’t he do even more for you? You have such little faith! 29 Don’t keep worrying about having something to eat or drink.” Luke 12:22-29 CEV

This means that we don’t have to worry about the finances that we will need to buy the groceries, the clothing or to provide a place to live. We can trust our Father. I remember when our kids were younger. They weren’t concerned about having enough to eat; they just expected to open the fridge and find something to eat. They trusted that we would provide for them; in fact, they would add items to the grocery list.

“Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. 7 Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:6-7 NLT

We can’t trust and worry at the same time. They are contrary to one another. I encourage you, don’t let another week end where you are stressed or worried. Worry weakens the body and the emotions. Each day hand your cares to the Father and trust Him to handle them. He can and He will!

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Winning Strategy

Have you ever struggled with something – a new computer program, a project at work, or a relationship? You were sure you knew exactly what to do to make it work but your efforts ended in failure.

Not long before King David died, he told Solomon:

“My son, I will soon die, as everyone must. But I want you to be strong and brave. 3 Do what the Lord your God commands and follow his teachings. Obey everything written in the Law of Moses. Then you will be a success, no matter what you do or where you go.” I Kings 2:1-3 CEV

Our thinking or reasoning isn’t always the best. Take Joshua as an example. He was tasked with conquering the city of Jericho. It was a walled, well fortified city, many people lived there and the city was guarded. I’m sure Joshua was developing a plan of attack when the Lord spoke to him.

“Meanwhile, the people of Jericho had been locking the gates in their town wall because they were afraid of the Israelites. No one could go out or come in. 2-3 The Lord said to Joshua: With my help, you and your army will defeat the king of Jericho and his army, and you will capture the town. Here is how to do it: March slowly around Jericho once a day for six days. 4 Take along the sacred chest and have seven priests walk in front of it, carrying trumpets. But on the seventh day, march slowly around the town seven times while the priests blow their trumpets. 5 Then the priests will blast on their trumpets, and everyone else will shout. The wall will fall down, and your soldiers can go straight in from every side.” Joshua 6:1-5 CEV

Seriously, was he supposed to take a city by marching around and blowing trumpets? It wasn’t the tactic that caused Joshua to be successful. He captured it by being obedient to what the Lord has said!

“The priests blew their trumpets again, and the soldiers shouted as loud as they could. The walls of Jericho fell flat. Then the soldiers rushed up the hill, went straight into the town, and captured it.” Joshua 6:20 CEV

What is our “Jericho”? Is it the challenges we face at work, a rocky relationship with someone who had been a close friend or loved family member, a looming financial crisis or perhaps a health issue?

If we’ve been trying to figure out the correct strategy on our own it’s time to listen to the One who has the perfect solution. When we do, we’ll be victorious!

“No, despite all these things, overwhelming victory is ours through Christ, who loved us.” Romans 8:37 NLT

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Don’t Lose Heart

How many of you keep a list of things you’ve prayed about and are waiting to see the answer? I have such a list. On it are situations and circumstances that I have prayed about; there are the names of friends and family who need miracles in the health and personal/business dealings. Then there are the things in this world that need God’s touch.

On that list I mark the date when I see the answer come. I draw a line through the name or circumstance and put a date out beside it. I love crossing things off the list. Someone is given a clean bill of health, another receives a new job or promotion and still another comes to peace with a troubling situation.

For almost eight years Dave and I lived waiting for our house in Montana to sell so that we could return to Arizona. Some mornings I would get up and be so discouraged. I would find myself saying “when Lord, when?”. Other mornings I would get up full of joy saying “thank you Lord we are one day closer”. I’m glad to say there were more joy filled days than frustrating ones.

I’ve just finished reading about Abraham and Sarah and the birth of Isaac. God had promised Abraham he would have countless descendants twenty-five years before their son was born. I imagine he had days of discouragement during that time but he held on to God’s promise. His faith in God’s promise was greater than his circumstances.

“Abraham believed he would be the father of many nations. He had no reason to hope for this, but he had been told, “Your children will become many nations.” 19 Abraham was about one hundred years old. His body was about dead, but his faith in God was not weak when he thought of his body. His faith was not weak when he thought of his wife Sarah being past the age of having children. 20 Abraham did not doubt God’s promise. His faith in God was strong, and he gave thanks to God. ” Romans 4:18-19 NLV

Let me encourage you today. Don’t lose heart; don’t be overcome by discouragement. Be confident, trust God; He is working where we can’t see. He will keep His promises.

“Do not throw away your trust, for your reward will be great. 36 You must be willing to wait without giving up. After you have done what God wants you to do, God will give you what He promised you.” Hebrews 10:35-36 NLV

We are one day closer to seeing God’s answer! Don’t lose heart.

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Listen With Your Heart

Ever have all those voices going off in your head – you can’t, you won’t, you’re not good enough – you know the ones I mean? When that starts to happen recognize where it’s coming from – there is one called the accuser of the brethren and he doesn’t want you to succeed or have any peace. It definitely isn’t coming from God.

God is the One who says He has made us more than conquerors, overcomers, always victorious, able to stand and able to do all things through Christ who strengthens us! Amen! He’s our cheerleader.

Throw out those vain imaginations and listen to the still small voice of the Holy Spirit within – it will improve your day.

“It is true, we live in a body of flesh. But we do not fight like people of the world. 4 We do not use those things to fight with that the world uses. We use the things God gives to fight with and they have power. Those things God gives to fight with destroy the strong-places of the devil. 5 We break down every thought and proud thing that puts itself up against the wisdom of God. We take hold of every thought and make it obey Christ.” II Corinthians 10:3-5 NLV

God is the one who took Noah, an old man over 500 years old and turned him into a master ship builder. He took a young boy, David, and turned him in to a giant slayer. He took a stammering sheep herder, Moses, and made him the leader of a nation. He took an impetuous fisherman, Peter, and made him into a preacher. All of these people had limitations but God used them to accomplish great things.

He has plans for each one of us; all we need to do it let Him show us what they are and His power will cause us to succeed.

“Remember, dear brothers and sisters, that few of you were wise in the world’s eyes or powerful or wealthy when God called you. 27 Instead, God chose things the world considers foolish in order to shame those who think they are wise. And he chose things that are powerless to shame those who are powerful. 28 God chose things despised by the world, things counted as nothing at all, and used them to bring to nothing what the world considers important. 29 As a result, no one can ever boast in the presence of God.

30 God has united you with Christ Jesus. For our benefit God made him to be wisdom itself. Christ made us right with God; he made us pure and holy, and he freed us from sin. 31 Therefore, as the Scriptures say, “If you want to boast, boast only about the Lord.” I Corinthians 1:26-31 NLT

Don’t listen to the voices in your head; instead listen to words of encouragement the Lord has put in your heart!

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Big Catch – Big Question

Did you know that Simon Peter had a successful fishing business before he became one of Jesus disciples? In fact, he was involved in a fishing conglomerate; his partners were James and John.

They had been out fishing one night and came back empty handed. Their boats were on the shore line and they were cleaning their nets before they called it a day.

Jesus was there too. He was just starting in the ministry that God had designed for him. It had only been a matter of days or perhaps weeks, since He had been baptized in the Jordan River by John the Baptist. People were recognizing that He was different; He had compassion and His teachings were like none they had ever heard. So on this day Jesus was being followed by people who wanted to hear him speak.

He saw the two boats and asked if he could get in one and speak to the people for a little ways out on the water. When Jesus finished speaking he looked at Simon and told him to go out to the deeper water and let down his nets.

Now Simon, the experienced fisherman, knew that late morning was really not a good time to fish. However, he did what Jesus said and caught the biggest load of fish he had ever encountered. It was a net breaking, boat sinking load of fish. He called to his partners and had them bring their boat to help handle the catch.

Amazing! This was the most successful day of their fishing careers. Never had they seen one like it.

Simon was overwhelmed, one verse says he was awestruck. He realized that Jesus was a special man of God and he felt unworthy to be in His presence.

“When Simon Peter realized what had happened, he fell to his knees before Jesus and said, “Oh, Lord, please leave me—I’m such a sinful man.” 9 For he was awestruck by the number of fish they had caught, as were the others with him. 10 His partners, James and John, the sons of Zebedee, were also amazed. Jesus replied to Simon, “Don’t be afraid! From now on you’ll be fishing for people!” 11 And as soon as they landed, they left everything and followed Jesus.” Luke 5:8-11 NLT

Some people think that they have to be at rock bottom to reach out to the Lord. Simon’s story is completely opposite. This was their best day; their biggest catch. Record breaking. And then came the big question “come fish for people”. I love the way the verse puts it, “as soon as they landed, they left everything and followed Jesus”.

Simon and his partners realized that it was Jesus who was responsible for their success that day. He was the influence that changed the circumstances. They were excited to leave all and follow Him.

A New Year lays ahead. I encourage you to follow Jesus whole-heartedly. He is the giver of abundant life and all good things come from Him.

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Don’t Judge

This morning I am recycling a post I put on Facebook about 4 or 5 years back. So many principles from the Bible need to be retaught from time to time. I hope you will find this to be a good refresher.

Ever feel like people judge you wrongly? They misunderstand or misconstrue a situtation or action and immediately jump to the wrong conclusion and you are branded, judged and even convicted.

Ever done that to someone? Ya, that’s the harder question to answer honestly. We have so many reasons or excuses for our actions. But when we judge others we are much less lenient.

” Jesus said: Don’t judge others and God won’t judge you. Don’t be hard on others, and God won’t be hard on you. Forgive others, and God will forgive you. 38 If you give to others, you will be given a full amount in return. It will be packed down, shaken together, and spilling over into your lap. The way you treat others is the way you will be treated.” Luke 6:37-38 ERV

These are the words of Jesus. There are no exceptions like it’s ok to judge people who cut you off in traffic, are rude to you in the grocery store, don’t share your same political view, or who are just antagonistic. NO EXCEPTIONS!

If we judge, we will be judged and we all know that is not a pleasant situation to be in. There’s only one judge who rules justly and we are not HIM.

“Treat others just as you want to be treated. 32 If you love only someone who loves you, will God praise you for that? Even sinners love people who love them. 33 If you are kind only to someone who is kind to you, will God be pleased with you for that? Even sinners are kind to people who are kind to them. 34 If you lend money only to someone you think will pay you back, will God be pleased with you for that? Even sinners lend to sinners because they think they will get it all back.

35 But love your enemies and be good to them. Lend without expecting to be paid back. Then you will get a great reward, and you will be the true children of God in heaven. He is good even to people who are unthankful and cruel. 36 Have pity on others, just as your Father has pity on you.” Luke 6:31-36 CEV

I’m working on making this my daily goal in the upcoming year. I want to be more like the Father so I need to be less judgmental. There’s no room in His life for it and so there should be none in mine! He doesn’t keep track of my faults and I shouldn’t keep track of others faults.

Make 2020 a judgement free year. Happy New Year.

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A Full Heart

Yesterday was so nice. A day to be surrounded by family and those who weren’t here in person were in my heart and in phone conversations and text messages. Teaching the littlest grandchildren the reason we celebrate – it’s Jesus’ birthday!

My cup runneth over…God has been so good to me. He saw me for who I was and He loved me in spite of my shortcomings and my faults. He sees me now through His eyes of grace and His desire is for my good.

He has placed all I need before me and He has promised to go with me on this journey. He will provide – He won’t abandon me. His desire is for me to become all that He has designed me to be.

“The thief comes only in order to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have and enjoy life, and have it in abundance (to the full, till it overflows).” John 10:10 AMP

That which runs over isn’t wasted because God isn’t wasteful. The overflow is for sharing with others. What do you have to give? Encouragement? Joy? Love? Forgiveness? Understanding? Peace?

“Jesus said: Don’t judge others, and God won’t judge you. Don’t be hard on others, and God won’t be hard on you. Forgive others, and God will forgive you. 38 If you give to others, you will be given a full amount in return. It will be packed down, shaken together, and spilling over into your lap. The way you treat others is the way you will be treated.” Luke 6:37-38 CEV

If you wonder what packed down, shaken together and spilling over looks like I’d like to paint you a word picture. Yesterday our son-in-law was in charge of collecting the Christmas wrapping in a trash bag. At first, the pieces of paper were just tossed in, no problem. But as more gifts were unwrapped he started pushing the paper down to compress the contents of the bag. Finally, the bag was full and running over. No more room!

When we think we can’t contain anymore of God’s goodness, love and forgiveness, press it down and He will add more. He will add so much more that understanding, forgiveness and love will spill over into the lives of others.

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God Overlooks Our Reputation

How do you see yourself today? Are you someone who has struggled most of your life with relationships and careers? Do others look down on you because of your education or lack thereof? Maybe you’ve done some stupid stuff and it has caused people not to trust you or you’ve wounded and broken relationships.

Many years ago, there were some shepherds out on a hillside watching their sheep. Shepherds had a poor reputation in their society. They were considered the lowest of the blue collar workers, rogues, and liars, but God… God saw them as men who would be faithful to spread the message that His Son had been born!

“In the same region, shepherds were staying out in the fields and keeping watch at night over their flock. 9 Then an angel of the Lord stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. 10 But the angel said to them, “Don’t be afraid, for look, I proclaim to you good news of great joy that will be for all the people: 11 today a Savior, who is Messiah the Lord, was born for you in the city of David. 12 This will be the sign for you: you will find a baby wrapped snugly in cloth and lying in a manger.” 13 Suddenly there was a multitude of the heavenly host with the angel, praising God and saying: 14 Glory to God in the highest heaven, and peace on earth to people He favors! 15 When the angels had left them and returned to heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let’s go straight to Bethlehem and see what has happened, which the Lord has made known to us.” 16 They hurried off and found both Mary and Joseph, and the baby who was lying in the feeding trough. 17 After seeing [them], they reported the message they were told about this child, 18 and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them. 19 But Mary was treasuring up all these things in her heart and meditating on them. 20 The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all they had seen and heard, just as they had been told.” Luke 2:8-20

God was willing to use the shepherds and He’s willing to use us too. He sees the best in each of us and gives us opportunities to use what He’s placed in us to touch others. God, the Father, has a message and a plan for each life. Let’s follow the example of the shepherds and go tell somebody what God has done. It’s a wonderful message about a wonderful life.

Thank you Father for your love!

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