Faith - Encouragement RSS Feed

SHORT BUT SO SWEET

Lori Laws — Fri, 13 Apr 2012 13:06:00 EST

Hi everyone!  I posted this on Facebook today and felt led to post it here too...

You will never fully realize the level of strength of your grasp on Christ, or His grasp on you, until the Devil uses all his force to attract you to himself. It is then you will feel the tug of Christ's hand. ~Streams in the Desert

HABA WHO?

Becky Brown — Mon, 26 Mar 2012 14:14:00 EST

Habakkuk 3:17-19, �Though the fig tree does not bud and there are no grapes on the vines, though the olive crop fails and the fields produce no food,though there are no sheep in the pen and no cattle in the stalls, yet I will rejoice in the LORD, I will be joyful in God my Savior. The Sovereign LORD is my strength; he makes my feet like the feet of a deer, he enables me to tread on the heights. For the director of music. On my stringed instruments.�
So who was this guy Habakkuk? Was he struggling with some serious issues? The meaning of his name is interesting. Do you know what Habakkuk means? I will share with you what God showed me through Habakkuk.
As I was doing my devotion I came across this text from Habakkuk 3:17-19....

I AM LIVING PROOF...YOU CAN MAKE IT!

Becky Brown — Mon, 30 Jan 2012 20:47:00 EST

The last couple of years have been pretty rough on us. We have just come through some valleys that I wasn�t sure we were going to get through. Also, there were some pretty dark times. It was a nightmare and there were times I wondered if the nightmare would ever end. This isn�t the first time we have been through some valleys. Although, this probably was one of the darkest times we have experienced. We have had other valleys, but this one was different. It lingered for some time.

Have you ever experienced Ground Hog Day for yourself? You know where the days all run into each other, nothing changes, you can't seem to get ahead? These can be some difficult days. I know. We lived it, but the one thing I am certain is you CAN make it! 

I share some ways we made it. I hope these help you as you struggle this year. 

GOD'S AFTER US

Jeffrey R. Snell — Fri, 21 Oct 2011 10:54:00 EST

Can we hear from Father directly, personally? Is it limited only to some, not all? If so, why the variable experience? Must the majority of us be satisfied with God only speaking to our minds through His word, or is real dialogue possible?

I AM WITH THEE

Chrissy Siggee — Thu, 02 Jun 2011 07:01:00 EST

Psalm 73:23-24
Nevertheless I am continually with thee: thou hast holden me by my right hand. Thou shalt guide me with thy counsel, and afterward receive me to glory.

When things come against me in any area of my life, I find the simple peace in knowing that God is with me makes life so much easier to bear. He is right beside me and He will guide me through the challenges that I face. Nothing is more precious to me than knowing God�s right hand is holding me in the midst of my pain, in the circumstances of life, and in all that I do.

A LIFE OF GRACE

No Author — Mon, 02 May 2011 10:34:00 EST

By Karen Sanna

A life with God is a life filled to the brim with goodness, satisfaction and opportunities to further His Kingdom. He will give to you many possibilities in the form of advancements and growth towards a better future. Once you give yourself to God, trusting Him with every aspect of your life, you will see a great turnaround in the direction you have been travelling.

God will make your way smooth. He will endeavour to bring out all the stops! He will bring to you many occurrences in the form of the right timing and the right people needed to move you ahead with ease. He will make your crooked places straight. �I will go before you and level the mountains [to make the crooked places straight]; I will break in pieces the doors of bronze and cut asunder the bars of iron. And I will give you the treasures of darkness and hidden riches of secret places, that you may know that it is I, the Lord, the God of Israel, Who calls you by your name.� (Isaiah 45:2-3 AMP)

IT IS FINISHED

Dwayne Harris — Fri, 22 Apr 2011 06:23:00 EST

The following writing contains explicit expressions, as it relates to the crucifixion suffered by Christ. While discomforting, the brutal reality of sins penalty reveals the wondrous depths of God�s love for us.

Knowing his fate, he entered the garden. It was there in a place of fellowship with God that his communion with man would come to an end.

Soldiers came - close friends fled his side. The time had come. The road to death and sacrifice was before him. Reluctant in the flesh, yet eager and willing in the spirit, he cried to God, �Not as I will, but as you will.� Once begun there would be no release. The penalty of sin would be brutal - this journey to death would move quickly and would be one he must travel alone.

THE TRIUMPHAL ENTRY

No Author — Sun, 17 Apr 2011 07:03:00 EST

�Jesus entered the temple area and drove out all who were buying and selling there. He overturned the tables of the money changers and the benches of those selling doves. 'It is written,' he said to them,'?'My house will be called a house of prayer,' but you are making it a 'den of robbers.' The blind and the lame came to him at the temple, and he healed them.� Matthew 21:12-15

Consider for a moment, if you would, the differing responses Jesus received during his triumphal entry into Jerusalem: Crossing through the city gates he was praised by the crowds, saying, �Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord!� However, a few moments later, while entering into the �House of God,� the chief priest and religious scribes questioned him in anger, �Do you hear what these are saying?�

BATTLING FEAR

No Author — Tue, 29 Mar 2011 10:16:00 EST

By Lisa Kurasz

I have days I am absolutely unshakably positive of who I am in the Lord. I have no question of His hand upon me or the fact that I am walking where he wants me to be. Times where I am absolutely sure of my Lord's love for me. And then there are times when I struggle with fear. To the point where I am overwhelmed by it. Like when my children were born. I was so in love with them, but yet so afraid that God would take them away from me. It was like I was waiting for the other shoe to drop. That God was somehow going to punish me for all my mistakes by taking away this special little person.

YOU DESERVE GOD�S BEST

No Author — Mon, 28 Mar 2011 10:09:00 EST

By Karen Sanna

Do you really understand just how special you are to God? Are you really aware of your importance within His Kingdom? God wants you to know that you are the apple of His eye! He has made provision for you to encounter many blessings in your life. In fact, God loves you so much, that He is willing to give you whatever you ask. It is written, �Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives, and he who seeks finds, and to him who knocks it will be opened. Or what man is there among you who, if his son asks for bread, will give him a stone? Or if he asks for a fish, will he give him a serpent? If you then, being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father who is in heaven give good things to those who ask Him!� (Matthew 7:7-11 NKJV)

MODERN-DAY JOSEPHS

Lori Laws — Mon, 21 Mar 2011 21:27:00 EST

My heart has heard you say, �Come and talk with me.�And my heart responds, �Lord, I am coming.� Psalm 27: 8

NEW LEGS

Jeffrey R. Snell — Fri, 18 Mar 2011 10:29:00 EST

Galatians 5:16 says: �� walk by the Spirit, and you will not carry out the desire of the flesh.� But how do I walk by the Spirit?

GOD'S AMAZING GRACE

No Author — Tue, 08 Mar 2011 07:05:00 EST

By Karen Sanna

Did you know that God has an amazing plan for your life? He has worked out all the details necessary, for you to live a wonderful life filled with joy and happiness. He has plans to bless you! He is giving you the opportunity to come to Him, and in gratitude, receive ALL that He would like to give you.

As His precious children, He wants you to know that you are no longer going to live a life of unfulfilled dreams. The tide is turning now, as we speak, and you are coming into a time of fruition. Those dreams that were planted long ago, are now taking root, and they are about to explode into reality! You are about to see what happens when God shows you His favour. You are about to experience God's amazing grace!

LIFE'S LIKE THAT!

No Author — Mon, 07 Mar 2011 09:00:00 EST

By Karen Sanna

When you feel as though life has handed you a bunch of lemons, take heart, and remember that Jesus will always be with you, leading you through the seemingly endless rugged terrain. It is through Him and His unfailing love for you, that you will be given the strength to endure the many hardships that may come your way.

With Jesus' transformative power, you will discover that you really can do all things through Christ who strengthens you! (Philippians 4:13) You will know beyond any shadow of a doubt, that His perfect love for you will light the way back home.

HE FEELS WHAT WE FEEL

Chrissy Siggee — Wed, 23 Feb 2011 06:27:00 EST

Hebrews 4:14-16

Seeing then that we have a great high priest, that is passed into the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our profession. For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin. Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.

HOPE

Chrissy Siggee — Fri, 18 Feb 2011 06:21:00 EST

�Be strong and take heart, all you who hope in the LORD. (Psalm 31:24)�

�The faith and love that spring from the hope stored up for you in heaven and about which you have already heard in the true message of the gospel. (Colossians 1:5)�

EMPATHETIC PRINCE

Sherry Castelluccio — Tue, 15 Feb 2011 15:40:00 EST

Now that the flowers and chocolates have been devoured and admired, life can finally get back to normal after V-day. For all the married folk, Valentine�s Day was a glorified excuse to get frisky in the bedroom or pampered and spoiled. The embittered single person deemed the holiday �Singles Awareness Day� and the happily attached preferred to swoon in their intoxicated smooch fest after hours. Personally, I am thankful that the day is behind us for the simple fact that I can build up my bank account before the next wave of holiday hype is upon us. Thankfully, it�s almost over, folks. Easter is the last major holiday until July. God bless America.

COURAGE

Chrissy Siggee — Sun, 06 Feb 2011 13:54:00 EST

�Wait for the LORD; be strong and take heart and wait for the LORD. Wait for the LORD; be strong and take heart and wait for the LORD.(Psalm 27:14)�

�I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. (Philippians 4:12 )

WELL-SEASONED

Chrissy Siggee — Wed, 02 Feb 2011 12:47:00 EST

To understand this season of change in my life I need to leave ready-to-serve pat answers on the shelf and dust off Grandma�s recipe book. Her method for accepting life changes was simply to focus on the door that opens rather than on the door that has just closed.

A SEASON OF DORMANCY

Debbie Dillon — Mon, 24 Jan 2011 10:08:00 EST

It�s only in Jesus that we have that promise of the season yet to be experienced. It�s about realizing it early on when the leaves begin to fall, then standing firm on that faith as the clouds approach. It�s about praying open that door and seeking courage from Him to step through it.

FAITH TRIUMPHS IN TROUBLE...

Lori Laws — Wed, 05 Jan 2011 13:34:00 EST

Today, let�s look carefully at Paul�s words...

�Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ:
By whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God.

And not only [so], but we glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience;And patience, experience; and experience, hope:

And hope maketh not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us.� Romans 5: 1-5 KJV

MAGNIFY THE LORD IN 2011

Iris Woytowich — Sat, 18 Dec 2010 09:28:00 EST

In these last few weeks of 2010 I have been in the School of the Spirit, by God's own hand, and I am re-doing some of my classes. Its not that I failed them in the past, it is more like a 'refresher' course in truths I have forgotten, or truths of the Word of God which are dormant within me. Now is the hour of our fullness and awakening. I have been hearing over and over again, through other believers, how this season that we are in, as a church, will be one of great fulfillment.

IF YOU ARE LIVING IN DEEP DARKNESS NOW...

Lori Laws — Wed, 15 Dec 2010 08:12:00 EST

...because God is working strangely and mysteriously, don�t be afraid. I�m speaking from my heart today. Someone needs to be encouraged, and I have a scripture for you...

FOR UNTO US A CHILD IS BORN

Chrissy Siggee — Sun, 12 Dec 2010 09:00:00 EST

ISAIAH 9:6 'For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counselor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.'

We who have had children know just how precious babies are. They are a delight, cute, soft and cuddly. Their innocence is as pure as pure gets. Babies fill us with hope and anticipation for the future. We count their fingers and toes and memorize their unique and delicate features. We ponder on how they will change our lives, and what wonderful things they will do when they�re all grown up. I think babies are one of the most precious gifts given to us from God.