Friday, May 27, 2011

Encouragement . . . for the Journey

Satisfaction

"Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness for
they will be filled." Matthew 5:6


What are some of the things you hunger and thirst for on a daily basis? Things you think will satisfy. Is it . . . Power? . . . Position? . . . Possessions? . . . or People? Do you long for notoriety ~ to be the one in charge, a job with prestige, a new home or new things for your home, the latest and greatest gadget, a new car, because you don't want to be seen in your old one? Maybe it's replacing things that have worn out. Maybe it's wanting out of a marriage relationship, because that person doesn't satisfy you any more. You've bought into the saying, "off with the old, on with the new"; thinking "If I just had . . . I'd be happy."

At their very best, none of these things offer what will fully satisfy or quench that deep longing inside the recesses of your very being. No person, no thing, no position, no amount of power can possibly do that. There is only One person and one place we can look for the answer. Christ and the Truth found in His Word.

As 1 Peter 3:12 says, "The eyes of the Lord are on the righteous and His ears are attentive to their prayer." The righteous are those who have been made righteous by receiving God's Son as their Savior. Remember there is nothing we can do to make ourselves righteous. Righteousness comes from God alone. "God made Him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in Him we might become the righteousness of God." 2 Corinthians 5:21


Remind us Lord, as many times as it is necessary, that true satisfaction can only come from You.

Take the time right now to ask the Lord to reveal any area(s) where you're looking for satisfaction apart from Him. Whether it's in power, position, possessions or in people, ask Him to forgive you for looking to anyone or anything but Him to fill that hunger in your life. Confess any sin He reveals. This is not a time to point out sin in others, but to ask God to examine your heart. Accept His forgiveness and move forward today, finding true satisfaction in Christ alone.

"The Spirit and the bride say, "Come!" And let him who hears say, "Come!" Whoever is thirsty, let him come; and whoever wishes, let him take the free gift of the water of life."
Revelation 22:17


"Come all you who are thirsty, come to the waters; and you who have no money, come, buy and eat! Come, buy wine and milk without money and without cost. Why spend money on what is not bread, and your labor on what does not satisfy: Listen, listen to me, and eat what is good, and your soul will delight in the richest of fare," declares the Lord.
Isaiah 55:1-2

"The LORD satisfies your desires with good things so that your youth is renewed like the eagle's."
Psalm 103:5

"You open your hand and satisfy the desires of every living thing.
Psalm 145:16

"The LORD will guide you ways; He will satisfy your needs in a sun-scorched land and will strengthen your frame. You will be like a well-watered garden, like a spring whose waters never fail.
Isaiah 58:11




"My soul will be satisfied as with the richest of foods;
with singing lips
my mouth will praise You."
Psalm 63:5

Wednesday, May 18, 2011

Encouragement . . . for the Journey

This morning I was reading from Acts 13. You know when you're reading, some times a verse will seem to leap off the page? Well for me, verse fifteen did just that. Simply stated it says, "Brothers, if you have a message of encouragement for the people, please speak."

In a note from The Living Insight's Study Bible, Chuck Swindoll says, "God's people need to turn on the encouragement! The family of God is not a place for verbal put-downs, sarcastic jabs, critical comments or harsh judgment: We get enough of that from the world. This is the place we need where we can go to be encouraged . . . the place where we are free to be ourselves."

I trust this verse will challenge you as much as it did me to be a better encourager to my brothers and sisters in Christ. This is not a time to "puff" believers up ~ that promote pride. No, it's a time to pray for others and a time to genuinely say, "Thank you", " I appreciate you", "You have such a knack for always saying the right thing at the right time", "You reflect Jesus", etc. You get the idea. Enjoy being an encourager today!!!

Tuesday, May 10, 2011

Encouragement . . . for the Journey

Father today,
"May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing in your sight, O LORD, my Rock and my Redeemer", for You deserve nothing less.
Psalm 19:14


"Let no unwholesome talk come out of my mouth, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen". Whether I'm at home, at work, with friends, or out shopping, etc. May I not grieve You, O Holy Spirit of God, with whom I am sealed for the day of redemption.
Help me to get rid of all bitterness, rage, anger, brawling, slander; along with every form of malice.


Through the power of the Spirit, help me to be kind and compassionate to others, forgiving them just as I have been forgiven by Christ Jesus. Help me to let go of any thought that would hinder me from doing this. Whether I think the one who offended me deserves my forgiveness or not. Give me strength to extend grace, just as you extend grace to me; not by my might, nor by my power, but by You, Holy Spirit; precious Lord God Almighty.

Ephesians 4:29-32; Zechariah 4:6b

Help me to remember that when words are many, sin is not absent, but when I hold my tongue from speaking too quickly, I am wise. May my words be like choice silver and my lips speak only words that nourish and are filled with wisdom.
Proverbs 10:19-20,21,31

"Let my words be controlled by the word of God and my words will be valuable."
Warren Wiersbe, With The Word, Thomas Nelson Publishers.

"Every word of God is flawless;
He is a shield to those who take refuge in Him".
Proverbs 30:5





Encouragement . . . for the Journey

Father today,
"May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing in your sight, O LORD, my Rock and my Redeemer", for You deserve nothing less.
Psalm 19:14


"Let no unwholesome talk come out of my mouth, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen". Whether I'm at home, at work, with friends, or out shopping, etc. May I not grieve You, O Holy Spirit of God, with whom I am sealed for the day of redemption.
Help me to get rid of all bitterness, rage, anger, brawling, slander; along with every form of malice.


Through the power of the Spirit, help me to be kind and compassionate to others, forgiving them just as I have been forgiven by Christ Jesus. Help me to let go of any thought that would hinder me from doing this. Whether I think the one who offended me deserves my forgiveness or not. Give me strength to extend grace, just as you extend grace to me; not by my might, nor by my power, but by You, Holy Spirit; precious Lord God Almighty.

Ephesians 4:29-32; Zechariah 4:6b

Help me to remember that when words are many, sin is not absent, but when I hold my tongue from speaking too quickly, I am wise. May my words be like choice silver and my lips speak only words that nourish and are filled with wisdom.
Proverbs 10:19-20,21,31

"Let my words be controlled by the word of God and my words will be valuable."
Warren Wiersbe, With The Word, Thomas Nelson Publishers.

"Every word of God is flawless;
He is a shield to those who take refuge in Him".
Proverbs 30:5