Get Encouraged

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  • Rock-Solid Promise 3: We Can Ask for Help with Confidence

    Life will pull us in many directions this year. Most likely, you and I will find ourselves needing help on more than one occasion. So, here is another rock-solid promise to which we can hold tightly.

    3. We can ask for help with confidence.

    We can ask for help in any and every situation, and we are assured the Lord understands. According to the rock-solid promise of Hebrews 4, the Lord will respond with mercy and grace.

    Hebrews 4:16 encourages, “Let us then approach God’s throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.”

    No matter where we find ourselves, or what we are forced to deal with, remember, we can ask for help, and the Lord will graciously respond.

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  • Rock-Solid Promise 2: The Lord Always Helps Us

    Here is the 2nd of 10 rock-solid promises to which we can cling in 2024 and beyond.

    2. The Lord will always be there to help us.

    Since he is not leaving us, the Lord will always be there to help us.

    • “Yes, the Lord is for me; he will help me” (Psalm 118:7).
    • “My help comes from the Lord who made heaven and earth” Psalm 121:2).
    • Hebrews 13:6 says, “So we can say with confidence, ‘My help comes from the Lord, so I will have no fear. What can mere people do to me?”

    No matter where we find ourselves, the Lord is always willing to help us. So, as the trials and struggles of today and the year emerge, remember, we can rely on the Lord for help.

    Thanks for reading. We’ll be here tomorrow with promise 3.

  • Rock-Solid Promise 1: The Lord Goes Ahead of Us

    Today is the first day of the new year, and 2024 has 364 days to go. We don’t know what the future holds, and it can be unsettling to think of what might happen. Amid the uncertainty and unknown of the future, there are some certainties to which we can cling. Over the next few days, we are going to offer 10 rock-solid promises we can carry with us through each day of 2024 and beyond.

    1. The Lord will personally go ahead of us.

    We are unsure of what 2024 holds for us. As we embark on a new year, it can be frightening to walk into the unknown. It was for the Israelites.

    They found themselves standing beside the Jordan River. Enemy nations and unknown land awaited, and we can discern the Israelites had feelings of fear. What was going to happen? How were they going to accomplish the goal? And, the Lord makes a sweet promise to them.

    Deuteronomy 31:6-8 says, “So be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid and do not panic before them. For the Lord your God will personally go ahead of you. He will neither fail you nor abandon you.’ Then Moses called for Joshua, and as all Israel watched, he said to him, ‘Be strong and courageous!…Do not be afraid or discouraged, for the Lord will personally go ahead of you. He will be with you; he will neither fail you nor abandon you.”

    The promise the Lord makes is for personal guidance. As Israel crossed the Jordan, faced enemy nations, and traveled through an unknown land, The Lord personally went ahead of them. The same promise is for us in 2024.

    As we face the enemies of bad health and financial struggles, as we walk into the unknown lands of lost jobs and new opportunities, The Lord says he will personally go ahead of us. “For God has said, ‘I will never fail you; I will never abandon you” (Hebrews 13:5).

    We’ll be back tomorrow at 6 a.m. Eastern with promise number 2.

  • Embracing the New Year: A Perfect Time for a Fresh Beginning

    As we stand at the threshold of a new year, the timeless words of Ecclesiastes 3 remind us that there is a season for everything under the sun. In the beautiful tapestry of life, God orchestrates moments of beginnings and endings, and the dawn of 2024presents a perfect time to start anew.

    In Ecclesiastes 3:1-8, we find a poetic depiction of life’s seasons—times to be born and to die, to plant and to uproot, to weep and to laugh. As we reflect on these verses, we are reminded that change is a natural part of our journey. Each season brings its own opportunities for growth, learning, and transformation.

    In Ecclesiastes 3:11, we find comfort in the assurance that God makes everything beautiful in its time. This includes the transitions, the uncertainties, and the new beginnings we encounter. As we step into the new year, we can trust that God’s timing is perfect, and He has a purpose for every season of our lives.

    The concept of time in Ecclesiastes 3 encourages us to embrace the present moment and look forward to the possibilities that lie ahead. Whether you’re reflecting on the past, setting new goals, or navigating changes, remember that each day is an opportunity for a fresh start.

    Starting tomorrow, join us as we explore rock-solid promises from the Word of God that will guide and inspire you throughout the new year. These promises are anchors for our faith, providing strength, comfort, and hope as we navigate the seasons of life.

    In the spirit of Ecclesiastes 3, let’s approach the coming days with a sense of anticipation and openness to the new opportunities that God has in store. As we welcome the new year, may we find solace in the understanding that, with God, every moment is a perfect time to start anew.

    Thanks for reading.

  • Setting God-Centered Goals: 7 Simple Steps to Help in 2024

    As we stand on the threshold of a new year, it’s a perfect time to set our sights on the future with purpose and intention. Goal-setting is not just a secular practice; it’s a biblical concept that aligns with the idea of seeking God’s will for our lives. Here are some simple steps for Christians to set God-centered goals for the year ahead.

    1. Seek God’s Guidance in Prayer: Before diving into goal-setting, take time to seek God’s guidance in prayer. Ask for wisdom, clarity, and discernment in understanding His will for your life. Invite God to be a part of the goal-setting process, acknowledging that His plans are greater than our own.
    2. Reflect on Your Faith Journey: Consider the lessons and experiences of the past year. Reflect on your spiritual growth, challenges faced, and moments of joy. How has God been shaping you? Use this reflection to identify areas where you want to deepen your faith or make positive changes.
    3. Set Specific and Measurable Goals: When setting goals, make them specific and measurable. Instead of vague resolutions, define clear objectives that you can track and evaluate. For example, if your aim is to deepen your prayer life, set a specific goal like spending a designated amount of time in prayer each day.
    4. Align Goals with Biblical Principles: Ensure that your goals align with biblical principles. Seek to cultivate virtues such as love, patience, kindness, and generosity. Consider how your goals contribute to your spiritual well-being and the well-being of others.
    5. Prioritize Spiritual Growth: Make spiritual growth a priority in your goal-setting. Whether it’s committing to regular Bible study, joining a small group, or serving in your community, prioritize activities that nourish your relationship with God and others.
    6. Be Flexible and Trust God’s Timing: While setting goals is important, be open to God’s guidance and timing. Sometimes, His plans may differ from our own, and that’s okay. Trust that He knows what’s best for you, and be flexible in adjusting your goals as needed.
    7. Celebrate Progress and Lean on God’s Strength: As you work towards your goals, celebrate the progress you make. Remember that you’re not on this journey alone—lean on God’s strength and rely on His grace when faced with challenges.

    In conclusion, setting God-centered goals involves seeking His guidance, aligning goals with biblical principles, and prioritizing spiritual growth. As you embark on this journey into the new year, may your goals be a reflection of your faith and a pathway to a deeper relationship with God.

  • The Year In Review: A simple Guide for Christians

    As 2023draws to a close, it’s natural for us to take a moment and reflect on the journey we’ve traveled. For Christians, this reflection is more than just reminiscing about the past; it’s an opportunity to look back with gratitude, learn from experiences, and set our sights on the future with hope.

    Look Back With Gratitude

    First and foremost, let’s focus on gratitude. As Christians, we believe that every good and perfect gift comes from God. Take a moment to think about the blessings, big and small, that have filled your life this past year. Maybe it’s the support of friends and family, the strength to face challenges, or the joy found in everyday moments. Give thanks for these gifts, acknowledging God’s faithfulness in providing for you.

    Learn From Experiences

    Next, consider the lessons learned. Life is a journey of growth, and each experience, whether positive or challenging, has something to teach us. Reflect on the times you faced difficulties and how you overcame them. Think about the moments of joy and what they revealed about the goodness of God. What lessons can you carry into the coming year to grow even stronger in your faith and character?

    Set Our Sights on the Future With Hope

    Now, turn your gaze towards the future with hope. The Bible tells us that God has plans for us, plans to prosper us and not to harm us, plans to give us hope and a future (Jeremiah 29:11). As you reflect on the year ending, consider how God might be guiding you into the next chapter of your life. What dreams and aspirations has He placed in your heart? Trust that His promises are true and that the new year holds opportunities for growth, purpose, and joy.

    In conclusion, reflecting on the ending year is a simple yet powerful practice for Christians. It allows us to express gratitude, learn from our experiences, and approach the future with hope. As you bid farewell to the old and welcome the new, may your heart be filled with thanksgiving, wisdom, and the assurance that God’s plans for you are filled with hope and purpose.

    Thanks for reading.

  • Navigating Change: A Christian’s Guide to Navigating the Changing of Year

    As we stand on the cusp of a new year, the air is filled with anticipation and the promise of fresh starts. Change is inevitable, and as Christians, we have the incredible privilege of navigating the twists and turns of life with the guidance of our faith. Join us on this journey as we kick off a series of posts that delve into the Christian perspective on navigating the changes of a new year.

    In the tapestry of Ecclesiastes 3, we discover profound wisdom about the seasons of life—times to sow and times to reap, times to build and times to tear down. Embracing this biblical perspective, we recognize that change is not only a natural part of life but also an integral component of God’s divine plan.

    The new year often brings with it a wave of resolutions and aspirations, but as Christians, our approach to change goes beyond mere self-improvement. It’s about aligning our hearts with God’s will and trusting in His unfailing guidance. The Bible assures us in Proverbs 3:5-6, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.”

    As we navigate the changes that the new year brings, let’s anchor ourselves in prayer, seeking God’s wisdom and discernment in every decision. Let’s embrace the challenges and uncertainties, knowing that God is the constant amidst the changes. His promises, found throughout the Scriptures, serve as beacons of hope and assurance as we step into the unknown.

    Over the next few posts, we will explore practical insights and timeless truths from the Bible to guide you through the changes of the new year. From setting God-centered goals to finding peace in transitions, we’ll delve into topics that resonate with the essence of Christian living in a world that is ever-changing.

    Join us on this journey of faith, as we embark on a series designed to inspire, encourage, and equip you for the beautiful adventure that lies ahead. May this new year be a season of spiritual growth, deepened faith, and a closer walk with the One who holds the future in His hands.

    Thanks for reading, and we’ll see you tomorrow at 6 a.m.

  • Cultivating Christmas Joy: 5 Tips for Keeping the Spirit Alive Year-Round

    As the festive lights dim and the ornaments are packed away, many of us find ourselves yearning to carry the joy of Christmas into the coming months. Fortunately, the spirit of Christmas is not bound to a single season but can be nurtured and sustained throughout the entire year. Here are five simple suggestions to help you keep the joy of Christmas alive in your heart, no matter the date on the calendar.

    1. Practice Gratitude Daily: Gratitude is a powerful antidote to the hustle and bustle of everyday life. Take a moment each day to reflect on the blessings around you. Recall the warmth of Christmas joy by expressing gratitude for the simple pleasures, the love of family and friends, and the gift of each new day.
    2. Extend Acts of Kindness: Christmas is a season of giving, and this spirit can be perpetuated year-round through acts of kindness. Look for opportunities to lend a helping hand, offer words of encouragement, or simply share a smile. Acts of kindness not only brighten someone else’s day but also contribute to the joy that permeates the Christmas season.
    3. Keep the Message of Hope Alive: Christmas is a celebration of hope, symbolized by the birth of Jesus Christ. Stay connected to this message by engaging in regular moments of prayer, reflection, and Bible study. Let the hope that Christmas brings be a guiding light throughout the year, helping you navigate challenges with faith and optimism.
    4. Celebrate Milestones and Achievements: Just as we celebrate the birth of Christ during Christmas, take time to acknowledge and celebrate personal milestones and achievements. Reflect on your growth, express gratitude for accomplishments, and recognize the goodness in your journey. This ongoing celebration fosters a sense of joy and fulfillment.
    5. Foster a Spirit of Giving: Christmas often inspires generosity. Carry this spirit forward by actively seeking ways to give back to your community. Whether through volunteering, charitable donations, or supporting local causes, being a giver contributes to a sense of purpose and joy that transcends the holiday season.

    In conclusion, keeping the joy of Christmas alive throughout the year is not only possible but transformative. By practicing gratitude, extending kindness, embracing hope, celebrating achievements, and fostering a spirit of giving, you can cultivate a continuous and lasting sense of Christmas joy in your heart. May the warmth and love of the Christmas season be your companion on every step of the journey ahead.

    Thanks for reading.

  • Navigating Post-Christmas Blues: 3 Suggestions for Overcoming

    As the holiday lights dim and the festive tunes fade away, it’s not uncommon to experience post-Christmas blues. The return to routine and the end of the holiday season can bring feelings of melancholy, but there’s solace and hope to be discovered because of Christ.

    Here are 3 suggestions to help overcome this struggle.

    1. Redirect your focus towards the enduring message of Christmas: the birth of Jesus Christ. Amidst the post-holiday lull, take moments to reflect on the profound significance of God sending His Son to bring everlasting hope and salvation to the world. Revisit the Nativity story from the Bible, attend church services, and let the enduring love of Christ be a source of comfort and inspiration during this quieter time.
    2. Reconnect with your faith community as a means of overcoming the post-Christmas slump. Seek out opportunities to share the joy of the season with fellow believers. Engage in post-holiday gatherings, participate in acts of kindness, and relish the support and camaraderie of your church family. Building on the bonds formed during Christmas can help extend the warmth and unity into the new year.
    3. Consider introducing new traditions that align with your faith to maintain a sense of purpose. Incorporate prayerful practices into your routine, such as reflective journaling or scripture reading. These rituals can offer a spiritual foundation and guide you through the post-Christmas period with renewed purpose and connection to your Christian beliefs.

    If you find yourself grappling with post-holiday blues, don’t hesitate to reach out for support. Share your thoughts and feelings with trusted friends, family, or members of your church community. Acknowledge that it’s okay to feel this way and that there are caring individuals ready to lend a listening ear.

    As the decorations come down and the holiday cheer subsides, let the enduring love and hope found in your faith be a beacon of light to guide you through the post-Christmas blues. Embrace the peace that comes from knowing the transformative message of Christmas remains a constant source of comfort throughout the entire year.

  • He Landed the Part

    Leon was the innkeeper. He was so excited to have finally landed the part, and he practiced for weeks. He had his lines – well, line – perfect.

    “There’s no room in the inn,” is all Leon had to say, but Leon became so emotionally involved in the part and the Christmas story that he added a few lines.

    There’s no room in the inn,” he said, “but Jesus you can have my room. Jesus, you can have it all!”

    Leon may have messed up a little, but his extra lines inspire a question. How well do we allow Jesus to have everything?

    From the worries surrounding our finances to the burden of guilt for yesterday’s mistakes, do we allow Jesus to have it all?

    Then Jesus said, “Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you. Let me teach you, because I am humble and gentle at heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy to bear, and the burden I give you is light,” (Matthew 11:28-30(.

    Merry Christmas! I hope you have a joyous celebration today.