Get Encouraged

Category: Bible Study

  • Hard Working Fishermen

    Hard Working Fishermen

    The fishermen worked hard while they were out to sea. The task list required hard work. Putting bate in nets, casting nets, and pulling nets full of fish into the boat must be done as a part of the job. This was not easy. It took hard work, and fishermen’s day didn’t stop when they arrived back at shore.

    When ashore, fishermen had to unload their boats. They had to repair nets. Fish had to be cleaned and sold. The work on the ground was as hard as being at sea. Successful fishermen had to work hard.

    Their willingness to work hard was one of the reasons Jesus called fishermen to be his first disciples. Jesus knew being “fishers of men” would require much labor, so he called those who were willing to work hard. The same is true today.

    Working hard is a key to success. Many scams and schemes have been developed over time trying to skirt hard work, but there is no substitute for rolling up our sleeves and getting to work.

    The Bible links working hard for the Lord and successfully fulfilling our purpose.

    • Psalm 128:1-2 says, “Blessed are all who fear the Lord, who walk in obedience to him. You will eat the fruit of your labor. Blessings and prosperity will be yours.”
    • Proverbs 16:3 says, “Commit your work to the Lord, and your plans will be established.”
    • “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart…,” Colossians 3:23-24 says, “since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward.”
    • Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor serving the Lord,” says Romans 12:11.

    Fulfilling our purpose requires you and I to work hard. There is just no substitute for hard work, and as we reap the benefits of our labor, we must remember the cause of our success is the Lord.

    Deuteronomy 8:17-18 says, “You may say to yourself, ‘My power and strength of my hands have produced this wealth for me,’ but remember the Lord your God. For it is he who gives you the ability to produce wealth….”

    The Bible encourages us not to become conceited. The success you and I enjoy comes from the Lord, and the writer of Proverbs says, “Pride comes before the fall.”

    It’s Not About Me tells the story of a frog with a problem. The frog’s home pond is drying up, and the frog has heard a vibrant stream is just across the field. Getting across the field would be an impossible journey for a frog with short legs, so a plan is developed.

    The frog convinces two birds to fly across the field carrying a stick. Each bird carried one end of the stick in her mouth, and the frog clinched the middle of the stick with his mouth. The birds were flying the frog across the field when a cow looked up and saw the three. “Who come up with that idea?” the cow wondered aloud.

    Not able to resist, the frog opened his mouth and said, “I did.” Pride comes before the fall.

    As you and I enjoy success from our hard work, we must remember it comes from the Lord. Working hard for the Lord does bring success. It may not come today or tomorrow, but if we hang in there, it will come.

    What is the Lord calling you to do? Completing this calling will take hard work and working hard for the Lord brings success.

     

  • 3 Take-Aways from Psalm 121

    3 Take-Aways from Psalm 121

    It was a dangerous road. Traveling the road was nerve-racking, and most travelers were filled with anxiety as they made the journey up this road. It was the road going up to Jerusalem, and there were many obstacles which could interrupt a pilgrim’s trip. The road was filled with twists and turns. Cliffs and caves lined the road adding to the danger.

    Accidently stumbling could send a traveler head-first over a cliff. The caves made wonderful hiding places for wild animals and robbers to await an unsuspecting victim. The road was dangerous, but it was an essential passageway in Israel.

    Does it seem like life is the road to Jerusalem? It is filled with twists and turns; there are many obstacles waiting for the opportunity to interrupt our journey. Financial struggles, losing a job, being forced to move, or navigating through life with an ever-changing eyesight may all be on our journey. Anxiety and lack of confidence may be ever-present struggles on our journey as we wake each day wondering how we will get through that day. Yet the Lord is with us just like He was with the Israelites traveling to Jerusalem. We can find great confidence in the timeless truth of Psalm 121.

    This Psalm was written for the Israelites to recite as they traveled the road to Jerusalem and offers us great encouragement. Here are 3 take-aways from the Psalm.

    1. Our help comes from the Lord.

    We are reminded to look past the obstacles interrupting life to the source of our help.

    Verses 1-2 say, “I lift my eyes to the hills. Where does my help come from? My help comes from the Lord, the maker of Heaven and earth.”

    2. The Lord never takes a break.

    The Lord is willing to help us 24/7. He doesn’t take a break.

    Verse 4 says, “Indeed, he who watches over Israel never slumbers or sleeps.”

    3. The Lord will still be with us tomorrow.

    The Lord doesn’t help us today, then walk away. He will still be with us tomorrow.

    Verse 8 says, “The Lord keeps watch over you as you come and go. Both now and forever.”

    Acting

    The road of life is filled with twists and turns. There are many obstacles waiting to disrupt our journey; they desire to overwhelm and discourage us, but Psalm 121 reminds us the Lord is on the journey with us. The next time life is interrupted, try reciting this Psalm.

    Have a friend who may be encouraged by this post? Please share it with him or her.

     

  • Not Home

    “This is my temporary home. It’s not where I belong.”

    Music is a messenger for the Lord’s message, and the message is often absorbed by the listener without realizing it. The message is interwoven in lyrics which capture our attention and grab our hearts. Temporary Home, by Carrie Underwood, is a powerful deliverer of the Lord’s message.

    The song reminds us where we are now is only a temporary home. It is not a permanent stop; we’re passing through on the way to our permanent home.

    2 Corinthians 5:1 says, “For we know that if the earthly tent we live in is destroyed, we have a building from God, an eternal house in Heaven not built by human hands.”

    This verse helps you and I realize we are not home. Notice we are living in the temporary, a tent, now, and it will be replaced with the permanent, a building, in the future. What we experience now is only temporary.

    2 Corinthians 5 continues, “For while we are in this tent, we groan and are burdened because we do not wish to be unclothed but clothed instead with our Heavenly dwelling. So that what is mortal may be swallowed up by life.”

    This is our temporary home. It’s not where we belong. Our permanent home, the one where we belong, will be in the future. We can look forward to it.

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  • Today Counts

    Today Counts

    The people were grumbling; they believed the lie the goal was too big. They did not understand how the Lord was going to help them. The obstacles standing in the way blocked their vision. Quickly forgetting how the Lord helped them previously, Israel did not believe they could move forward. They were stuck in the lie they were telling themselves, so they rebelled.
    They grumbled against God and Moses. Their grumbling resulted in another 40 years wondering in the desert. Their grumbling also resulted in Moses pinning the words of Psalm 90.
    This psalm reminds us today counts.
    In verse 12, Moses requests, “Teach us to realize the brevity of life so that we may grow in wisdom.”
    What you and I do today counts. The steps we take, decisions we make, and the direction we go counts. Time is fleeting, so we need to make the most of every moment.
    What are we going to do today? Good stewards of time do not waste it. They execute in the moments they possess to fulfill their purpose. Each day counts in fulfilling our purpose, and when finished, Psalm 90 reminds us a difference for the Lord should be made.
    “Let us, your servants, see you work again. Let our children see your glory. And may the Lord God show us his approval and make our efforts successful. Yes, make our efforts successful,” Moses requests in verses 16-17.
    You and I should invest our time in things that will have a lasting impact. Be a friend or a mentor. Work on a project which will outlast us. Completing our calling will leave a legacy, so we must not fall into the trap of believing we cannot do it.
    A generation of Israel fell into this trap and missed possessing the promised land. If they would have believed they could possess the land with the Lord’s help, they would have taken the land just as the Lord promised.
    If you and I believe we can leave a legacy, we will with the Lord’s help. Every day counts, so be intentional. What are we going to do today?

  • Fishermen Persevere

    Fishermen Persevere

    The night was long, and the fishermen cast the nets time after time. Each time they pulled up the nets, they were empty. Though they worked hard all night, they did not catch any fish. There were nights like this for the fishermen. Fishing was an occupation that required much dedication.

    Dedication is one of the characteristics causing Jesus to call fishermen as his first disciples. Fishing was an occupation requiring patience. Fishermen could not give up even if no fish were caught. They had to persevere to succeed.

    Fishing was easy on the nights fish were abundant, but on the nights the nets came up empty, it took a truly dedicated person to keep fishing.

    You and I can relate. Life is easy when things seem to be going our way, but when difficulties arise, it takes dedication to pursue our calling. Achieving our goals, realizing our dreams, and fulfilling our purpose call for perseverance.

    It takes time, effort, and devotion to get through the rough patches, and we have been promised they will come.

    “In this world you will have troubles but take heart. I have overcome,” Jesus says in John 16:33.

    We are promised rough patches will come, but don’t forget the other piece of the Lord’s statement. “I have overcome,” Jesus says. If we persevere with the Lord, we too will overcome.

    Here are 10 verses encouraging us to persevere.

    1. James 1:12 says, “Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial, because having stood the test, that person will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love him.”
    2. “And as for you, never tire of doing what is good,” 2 Thessalonians 3:13 encourages.
    3. “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding,” Proverbs 3:5-6 says. “In all your ways, submit to him and he will make your paths straight.”
    4. 2 Corinthians 1:21 says, “Now it is God who makes both you and us stand firm in Christ. He anointed us.”
    5. “Put on the full armor of God,” advises Ephesians 6:11, “so you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes.”
    6. Hebrews 6:11 says, “We want each of you to show this same diligence to the very end, so that what you hoped for may be fully realized.”
    7. In John 6:40, Jesus encourages, “For my Father’s will is that everyone who looks to the Son and believes in him shall have eternal life, and I will raise them up at the last day.”
    8. “Stand firm and you will win life,” says Luke 21:19.
    9. Romans 12:12 says, “Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, and faithful in prayer.”
    10. “Let us not become weary in doing good,” Galatians 6:9 encourages, “for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.”

    Fishermen were called because of their dedication. It is a “must have” characteristic to get through life. Without dedication, we can quickly become disoriented and swallowed up by life’s troubles. Perseverance is required to overcome struggles and difficulties. It may not be easy, but with the Lord’s help, you and I can do it.

    Acting

    Ask the Lord to help you develop an attitude of perseverance. Refuse to give up when life’s troubles surround you.

     

     

  • Skillful Fishermen

    Skillful Fishermen

    Every occupation has tools which are necessary to get the job done. Fishing is no different. Fishermen have a tackle box filled with various lures and different kinds of bate. Each lure and kind of bate serves a specific purpose, and fishermen are skilled at using the equipment needed for their occupation.

    Equipment has evolved, but the skill needed to use the equipment has always been necessary. Fishermen, in Jesus’ day, were skilled at using their equipment.

    This is one of the reasons Jesus called fishermen to be his first disciples. They were skilled in using the tools at their disposal.

    Like fishermen, Christians have a variety of tools at our disposal. We need to make sure we are skilled at using them. Here are 3 tools and some tips to sharpen your skillfulness in using them.

    1. The Bible

    We have Scripture.

    Hebrews 4:12 states, “For the word of God is alive and powerful. It is sharper than the sharpest two-edged sword, cutting between soul and spirit, between joint and marrow. It exposes our innermost thoughts and desires.”

    Jesus illustrates how to use Scripture in Matthew 4. Immediately after his baptism, Jesus was led into the desert for a period of temptation. Satan approached Jesus multiple times trying to tempt him, and each time Jesus responded by quoting the Bible. Jesus used Scripture to overpower temptation.

    There is great power in Scripture, and we need to be skilled in using it.

    Psalm 119:11 says, “I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you.”

    The Psalmist says he placed God’s word in his heart; he stored Scripture in his heart, so he had it to use. The Bible is a powerful tool, and you and I can become skilled in using it by…

    1. Gaining an understanding of the Bible.
    2. Memorizing Scripture to recall in stressful situations.
    3. Using the wisdom within the Bible to guide our life.

    2. Prayer

    James says, “The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective.”

    Jesus illustrates how to use this tool. Jesus frequently withdrew to private places spending time in prayer. He prayed about everything.

    We have the tool of prayer. It gives us the opportunity to have an open and honest conversation with the Lord. The skill comes in using it daily. Prayer is a powerful tool we’ve been given.

    3. Community

    We are not alone. We have one another, and community is a grand tool for us. Christians are available to each other in all seasons of life.

    We celebrate each other’s victories. We support one another in difficult times. We mourn and grieve as a community. We laugh as a family, and work together as a team. We do life together.

    Relationship is a valuable tool for us, and we can sharpen our skills by participating. Don’t take on life by yourself. Allow the community to support you, and when your support is requested, be ready and willing to offer it. Community is a tool which can accomplish much for the Lord.

    Acting

    The Christian toolbox has powerful and effective tools. As Christians, we need to keep our skills sharp. We are more effective if we’re using the tools at our disposal. Take steps today to sharpen your skills. Spend time in the Bible and in prayer. Spend time building relationships with other Christians.

    What tools would you add to the list? Share in the comments below.

    Be sure to share this post with anyone you believe would find it helpful.

     

  • Most Important Key for Fulfilling Our Calling

    Most Important Key for Fulfilling Our Calling

    This is the most important key to achieving goals and fulfilling dreams. It is also the most important key to overcoming barriers in our lives. It is the driving force which pushes us to achieve the goal, fulfill the dream, and overcome the barrier. It is faith, and faith is indispensable in fulfilling our purpose.

    Faith is believing and has two components. Both are crucial to completing our calling.

    1. Believing in one’s self is vital to fulfilling our purpose.

    Self-confidence is necessary to succeed in life. This is not arrogance, but an understanding of ourselves. It is an understanding of our own strengths and weaknesses. It is a true assessment of ourselves.

    The problem is we often lie. You and I tell ourselves, “There’s no way I can pass the exam,” so we don’t even take the class. “There’s no way they will give me a promotion,” so we don’t even apply. “There’s no way she’ll go on a date with me,” so we don’t even ask. We lie about ourselves. We believe the lies and do nothing.

    While it is healthy to understand our limits, we must believe in ourselves to get anywhere. We may not be the most intelligent members of a class, but if we study hard, we can pass. We may not be the most popular person in the office, but the hiring manager may be impressed by our qualifications and work ethic giving us the promotion. As for the date, the girl may be interested and hoping we ask. You and I are unique. We have something to offer. We must believe in ourselves to move forward.

    Switch your thinking from what you do wrong to what you do right, from what you don’t have to what you have. This will give you a true starting point to achieve goals and fulfill dreams.

    Caleb was self-confident. At age 85, he believed he could take a mountain. Caleb was one of the scouts sent into Canaan by Moses, and he brought back a faithful report. Caleb believed Israel could take possession of the land as the Lord promised. Lacking faith, Israel was overwhelmed by the obstacles, so the nation spent much time wondering in the desert.

    45 years after the favorable report, Caleb is in the promised land, and he is ready to take a mountain.

    Caleb says in Joshua 14:11-12, “I am as strong now as I was when Moses sent me on that journey, and I can still travel and fight as well as I could then. So, give me the hill country that the Lord Promised me. You will remember that as scouts we found the descendants of Anak living there in great, walled towns, but if the Lord is with me, I will drive them out of the land just as the Lord said.”

    Caleb’s goal is to take the mountain, and his self-confidence allows him to move forward. He knows his strength, and Caleb knows he’s a good fighter. He also knows his weaknesses. Caleb knows it will take the Lord’s help to succeed.

    2. Believing in the Lord’s help is essential to succeed.

    Caleb possessed enough self-confidence to realize he needed the Lord’s help. His goal of taking the mountain could only be achieved if the Lord helped him. At some point, Caleb would reach his limits, so the limitless Lord would have to step in for success.

    The same is true for our success. You and I will eventually reach our limits, so we will need the limitless Lord to step in for success. And we must believe he will.

    “Remember the Lord your God,” Deuteronomy 8:18 advises, “he is the one who gives you power to be successful….”

    When our limits are met, the Lord is only getting started, and just like he helped Caleb take the mountain, he will help us fulfill our purpose.

    Faith is the single most important key to success. We must believe in ourselves and in the Lord’s help. Everything else will fall in place behind faith. It is the driving force that puts plans into motion and moves us from wishing we were fulfilling a purpose to completing our calling.

     

     

  • 3 Action Steps for Achieving Goals

    Here are 3 action steps for staying on track to achieve goals.

    The goal was entering a better place. Israel was promised they would be able to enter the land of Canaan. This was a milestone the people of Israel desired to reach, and the promise was made by the Lord, who had proven himself to be faithful, so you would think all is well. However, a lack of faithful courage turned obstacles to blockades.

    Moses sent 12 spies into the land to conduct a survey and bring back a report. They found abundant resources; everything they were going to need was in the land. They also found fortified cities and giants living there. It was clear to all 12 achieving the goal would mean overcoming obstacles. It was the way the obstacles were viewed which made all the difference.

    Most of the spies believed there was absolutely no way Israel could enter Canaan. They agreed it would be great to possess the land, but the fortified cities and inhabitants were too much. The people living in the land were bigger and stronger, and the spies viewed themselves as “grasshoppers” compared to the giants living in Canaan. Their lack of faith paralyzed them.

    The minority believed Israel could take possession of the land, and they were ready to begin the journey at once.

    “But Caleb tried to quiet the people as they stood before Moses, “Let’s go at once to take the land.” He said in Numbers 13:30, “We can certainly conquer it.”

    The fortified cities and inhabitants were only obstacles, and the Lord would help Israel overcome them. In faith, the minority believed Israel could achieve the goal, and they were itching to start.

    Achieving goals may not come easy. It takes much work, and there may be any number of obstacles standing between you and me and our goals. We must view obstacles as obstacles and not turn them into blockades.

    Here are 3 action steps to ensure obstacles do not become blockades.

    1. Have Faith.

    The difference between the majority and minority spy reports was faith. They were on the same trip and surveyed the same land, but their perspectives were different. One did not have faith, while the other possessed a strong faith. Faith is a vital part of success.

    Faith is what drives us to move forward. It is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see. Faith is what drives forward movement.

    Faith caused Caleb to be certain Israel could take the land. He had seen the Lord’s previous work: Israel coming out of Egypt, crossing the Red Sea, and the provisions of food and water in the desert. He was sure the Lord could work again, so he was ready to trust the Lord and achieve the goal.

    Faith compels you and me to move forward in achieving our goals.

    Have faith your goal can be achieved. Have faith you can overcome obstacles. Have faith the Lord will help you accomplish your purpose. Have faith you can fulfill your calling. Have faith.

    2. Work Hard.

    Israel did not automatically possess the land. They had to work hard. Achieving goals requires much hard work. Someone has said, “The only place success comes before work is in the dictionary,” so you and I must be ready to work hard.

    3. Set Realistic Milestones.

    Israel did not gain the whole region at once. They took possession of the land piece by piece. It took time.

    The same is true for our goals. We are not going to achieve them immediately, so we need to establish realistic milestones. Setting these benchmarks helps us see we are making progress in our journey and keeps us from being overwhelmed by the big goal.

    Most of the spies did not enter Canaan. Their lack of faith kept them from seeing what could be accomplished.

    On the other hand, the minority entered Canaan. Their faith, hard work, and realistic milestones helped them achieve the goal.

    Acting

    Start achieving your goal today by taking the above action steps.

     

  • Courageous Fishermen

    Courageous Fishermen

    Deep water, tall waves, and a fierce wind made for an interesting night on the boat. The boat swayed from side to side as it was tossed by the waves, but the crew stayed hard at work. It was commonplace to be caught in a storm.

    The wind would sweep down from the mountains and cause a severe storm to pop up on an otherwise good night for fishing. Catching fish meant risking being caught in a storm, so fishermen were accustomed to this situation. Much courage was required to hold fishing as your occupation.

    Fishermen would go into deep water, survive a treacherous storm, and repeat the process the next night. They courageously viewed storms as a normal part of their lives. They did not lack courage, which is one of the reasons Jesus called fishermen to be his first disciples.

    Jesus knew it would take courage to travel the road ahead, so he called courageous people. The same is still true today.

    Traveling life’s road requires much courage. With all the twists and turns, no one is sure what tomorrow may bring, and a storm may pop up at any time. But, as Christians, we can take courage in the Lord.

    Psalm 46 says, “God is our refuge and strength; always ready to help in times of trouble. So, we will not fear when earthquakes come and the mountains crumble into the sea. Let the oceans roar and foam. Let the mountains tremble as the waters surge.

    A river brings joy to the city of our God, the sacred home of the Most High. God dwells in that city; it cannot be destroyed. From the very break of day, God will protect it. The nations are in chaos, and the kingdoms crumble. God’s voice thunders, and the earth melts. The Lord of Heaven’s armies is here among us. The God of Israel is our fortress.

    Come see the glorious works of the Lord: see how he brings destruction upon the world, he causes wars to end throughout the earth, he breaks the bow and snaps the spear, he burns the shields with fire…. The Lord of Heaven’s armies is here among us. The God of Israel is our fortress.”

    We can courageously take the next bend in the road because the Lord is with us. The Psalmist reminds us that our refuge, fortress, and strength travels with us.

    Around the bend may be natural disaster, family emergency, economic strain, lost job, or health concerns, but we can take the corner courageously. The Lord is with us, and saying, “Take courage. It is I.”

    Some form of the words “do not fear” appears in the Bible 365 times; that is, one time for every day of the year. Each day the Lord encourages us, “Do not be afraid. Take courage.”

     

  • Fishermen are Team Players

    Fishermen are Team Players

    If you’ve played a team sport, you’ve probably heard a coach say, “There’s no I in team,” or “Nowhere in team does it say me.” Teamwork is essential for success. Teammates must work together for the greater good of the team. Ego and self-centeredness must be set aside, and when the team succeeds, everyone on the team looks good. Members benefit from the team’s success.
    Jesus understood the importance of teamwork, which is why he called fishermen. Fishermen are team players; they know how to work together.
    Fishing, in Jesus’ day, was hard work. It required much manual labor. Manually pulling in a net full of fish took hard work. Everyone on the boat worked together to pull in the net. The crew worked together to pull in the net; the team worked together to achieve their goal. They did not allow one person to do all the work. Here’s an example.
    The disciples had fished all night, but they had caught nothing. Jesus instructed Simon to put down the nets once more, and the nets were filled with fish and began to tear. Simon and the others on his boat were working hard, but they needed more help.
    “A shout for help,” according to Luke 5:7, “brought their partners in the other boat, and soon both boats were filled with fish and on the verge of sinking.”
    A shout for help brought out the whole team. The fishermen on the shore didn’t stand at a distance watching the others struggle. They went to work helping pull in the nets. The moment was right to catch fish, and the fishermen had to work as a unit to get the abundant catch into the boats. The fishermen had to work together as a team, and teamwork is a characteristic Jesus desired.
    Teamwork is still a characteristic the Lord desires today. As Christians, Scripture calls you and I to work together to achieve a common goal. Our Goal is extending the Lord’s invitation of grace to the world. Achieving this goal requires teamwork, and in his grace, the Lord has equipped you and me to play our part on the team.
    “In his grace, God has given us different gifts for doing certain things well, so if God has given you the ability to prophesy, speak out with as much faith as God has given you. If your gift is serving others, serve them well. If you are a teacher, teach well. If your gift is encouraging others, be encouraging. If it is giving, give generously. If God has given you leadership ability, take the responsibility seriously, and if you have a gift for showing kindness to others, do it gladly.”
    The Bible reminds us we have a part to play, and our part is different than everyone else’s. Our role on the team is unique like us, and our role matters. The Lord desires teamwork.
    And remember, your role is vital to the Lord’s team achieving the goal.