Get Encouraged

Category: Uncategorized

  • True Love is Free

    In a world where it seems we have to buy or earn someone’s love, the Bible offers a refreshing reminder.

    Ephesians 2:8-9 says, “God saved you by his grace when you believed. And you can’t take credit for this; it is a gift from God. Salvation is not a reward for the good things we have done, so none of us can boast.” In simpler terms, it means that real love is not something we earn or deserve—it’s a special gift from God.

    This kind of love, as Ephesians explains, doesn’t depend on what we achieve or how good we are. In a world where relationships often come with conditions, this idea challenges us to see that true love doesn’t have strings attached.

    Understanding and accepting true love, can bring a sense of freedom. It sets us free from the pressure of trying to be perfect or constantly earning love. True love, as described in the Bible, is a gift that accepts us with all our flaws and failures.

    This view of love isn’t just for romantic relationships. It applies to all our connections—with friends, family, and the community. Ephesians encourages us to approach love with an open heart, without judgment or expectations.

    In a world where real connections matter, Ephesians 2:8-9 shows us the way to true love. True love isn’t something we have to work hard for; it’s a generous gift waiting for us. Understanding and living out this divine love is how we can experience true freedom in our relationships. True love doesn’t cost; it is given freely.

    Thanks for reading.

  • God is True Love

    In the midst of all the different ideas about love, there’s a timeless concept that stands above the rest—God as true love.

    The Bible simply states, “God is love” (1 John 4:8). This short phrase is like the key to understanding how God embodies true love. Unlike the love we often experience, God’s love is different—it’s endless, pure, and everlasting.

    God’s love is unconditional. It doesn’t depend on what we do or how perfect we are. It’s a love that accepts us just as we are, flaws and all. This unconditional love is something we can count on, no matter what.

    It’s also a sacrificial love. In the Bible, it’s mentioned that God loved the world so much that He sent His Son, Jesus, to save us (John 3:16). This act of sacrifice shows how much God’s love gives without expecting anything back. It’s a gift that brings us hope and eternal life.

    God’s love can change us for the better. When we understand and embrace this love, it has the power to heal and transform our lives. It’s not just a feeling; it’s a force that can guide us to become better people, influencing how we treat others.

    Thinking of God as true love encourages us to try and love others in a similar way. It challenges us to love without conditions, to give without expecting anything in return, and to let that love inspire positive changes in our lives. In a world where love can sometimes feel fleeting, the idea of God’s enduring and unwavering love serves as a powerful anchor for our own understanding and expression of love.

  • Holding on to Hope

    In the Bible, Hebrews 10:23 is like a friendly guide, offering simple but powerful advice for life’s ups and downs. The verse says, “Let’s stick to our hope and not give up, because God always keeps His promises” (Hebrews 10:23, Easy-to-Read Version). This short sentence holds a big idea – it’s all about having strong faith and not letting go of hope, no matter what.

    It’s like saying, “Hold on tight to what you believe in, and don’t let doubts shake you.” Life can be tricky, but this verse encourages us to stay true to our beliefs and not let tough times make us question what we know deep down.

    The verse reminds us to stay steady, even when things get tough. Life can be like a rollercoaster, but this verse tells us to be like a sturdy tree, not bending or swaying with every gust of wind. It’s a call to be strong and not let doubt knock us over.

    And why should we be so confident? Because of the part that says, “God keeps his promises.” In other words, it’s like saying, “God always keeps His word.” When things seem uncertain, we can trust that God is reliable. This promise gives us the courage to keep going, knowing that we’re not alone, and God will come through for us.

    Hebrews 10:23 is like a cheerleader, cheering us on to stay strong in our hope. It’s an invitation to believe in something solid, something that won’t change when everything else does. So, as we go through life’s twists and turns, let’s remember this verse and hold on to our hope, knowing that God is always faithful, and our faith can weather any storm.

  • Heaven Awaits

    An elderly man was in a hospital room and he was fading quickly. The nurses and doctors decided it was time to call the gentleman’s family, and they gathered around his bed. As he was lying there, holding his wife of 50 years hand, looking at his son and grandchildren, he whispered, “Don’t cry. I’ll see all of you again. This was not my permanent home; I’m only passing through.”

    A moment later, the man looked up and said, “I can see the Lord’s face.” Peacefully, the man fell asleep and went to be with the Lord.

    Death is a sad time for those of us left behind. The person for whom we love and care deeply has gone home to be with the Lord, so we have to say “see you later,” and live in their absence. But, for the Christian who passes away in death, a whole new adventure begins.

    Heaven awaits. “For this is not our permanent home,” the writer of Hebrews reminds us, “we are looking forward to a world yet to come.” While we don’t fully know what Heaven will be like, the Bible does tell us it will be a glorious place. There will be no pain, sorrow, or difficulty. Today’s struggles will be gone. There will be no pandemics or tensions caused by skin color. There will be no hurt or heartache. Rather, Scripture says there will be peace. The lame will walk, the deaf will hear, the blind will see. Heaven will be glorious.

    And, the adventure of experiencing Heaven will be ours. If you, or someone you love, is struggling today, remember, it is only temporary. Something much better is coming.

  • Subject to Change

    We make plans. We plan for the day ahead, the week ahead, and the years ahead. We plot the details of our plans carefully, so if the plan doesn’t develop the way we’ve designed, it can cause us a great deal of stress. All plans are subject to change, and Scripture reminds us the Lord guides us in those moments of change.

    Proverbs remarks, “Don’t lean on your own understanding, but trust in the Lord and he will make your paths straight” (Proverbs 3:5-6).

    Jeremiah 29:11 reminds us the Lord knows the plans he has for us. They are plans for good, not evil; plans to help us, and not harm us.

    So, when our plans have to change, remember, the Lord is in control. He has our future mapped out, so why wouldn’t he care for us in the present.

    Thanks for reading.

  • Life is Like A Garden

    The Flip Flop Barnyard tells of the great patience gardening requires. From ordering seeds to harvest, many days can pass, with much time waiting to move from stage to stage of the gardening process. Any Gardner knows it takes much patience to produce great tasting vegetables and beautiful flowers. Planting has to take place in the spring, cultivation through the summer, to enjoy the harvest of the fall. Seeds do not become abundant crops overnight.

    Like gardening, life can require much patience. Scripture encourages, “Be patient, then, brothers and sisters, until the Lord’s coming. See how the farmer waits for the land to yield its valuable crop, patiently waiting for the autumn and spring rains. You too, be patient and stand firm, because the Lord’s coming is near” (James 5:7-8).

    Waiting can be hard; we don’t like it. This may hold especially true when we are awaiting answers to our prayers.

    We’re praying about our need, yet it seems the Lord is not hearing us. Maybe we’ve spent hours pacing the floor, tears flowing, as we pray, but the answer still hasn’t come. If so, this passage encourages us to stand firm, and keep on praying. James goes on to remind us our prayers are both powerful and effective.

    Our prayers will be answered. It may not be in the immediate timetable we desire, but the Lord does answer.

    Remember, Gardeners have to wait all season before harvesting a crop, but the sweetness of the fruit is worth the labor of their patience.

    Be patient and stand firm.

  • Talking to the Lord: Encouragement from Matthew 6:8

    Ever wondered how to talk to the Lord? Well, Matthew 6:8 has some wisdom for us: “Your Father knows what you need before you ask him.”

    Basically, the verse is saying that God, your Heavenly Father, already knows what’s on your mind before you even say it. It’s like God is tuned in to your thoughts, cares, and dreams.

    Sometimes, we might think we need to fill God in on all the details when we pray. But Matthew 6:8 suggests a different approach – it’s like a reminder that God is already in the loop. So, when you talk to the Lord, you can be real and honest because He already knows what’s going on inside you.

    This verse also nudges us to be thankful. Since God is aware of what we need, we can take a moment to say thanks for the good stuff and even for getting through tough times. It’s a way of shifting our focus from what we don’t have to appreciating what we do.

    Matthew 6:8 teaches us to chat with the Lord in a genuine way. Forget the formalities; just talk to God like you would to a close friend. And remember, He’s not just listening, He already knows what’s on your heart.

    So, the next time you find yourself talking to the Lord, know that you’re not alone. He’s right there with you, understanding you even before you say a word. It’s a comforting thought that can make your conversations with the Lord more real and meaningful.

    Thanks for reading.

  • Sunshine and Thunderstorms

    There is an errand I typically complete by walking to the store. The weather is usually cooperative, but a few weeks ago as I was walking home, it started to rain. With each step, the rain intensified until I found myself caught in a down poor.

    As I was splashing my way home, I realized this is a metaphor for life. Life’s sunshine may usually shine, but occasionally, we find ourselves in the rain. Perhaps even a torrential down poor, but the truth of God’s Word is always the same.

    Whether we are gingerly walking through the sunshine of life or running through life’s thunderstorms, the Lord is helping us.

    “The Lord watches over you – the Lord is your shade at your right hand; the sun will not harm you by day, nor the moon by night. The Lord will keep you from all harm- he will watch over your life; the Lord will watch over your coming and going both now and forevermore” (Psalm 121:5-8).

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  • Still Rescues Today

    A lion rushed in and tried stealing a sheep, but the shepherd rescued the sheep and gave thanks to the Lord.

    Later, a bear entered the flock and tried taking a sheep, but the shepherd battled the bear and rescued the sheep. He gave thanks to the Lord.

    Now, the young shepherd, David, finds himself on the battlefield taunted by Goliath. Preparing for the battle ahead, David knows the Lord will continue to help him.

    “The Lord who rescued me from the paw of the lion and the paw of the bear will rescue me from the hand of this Philistine” (1 Samuel 17:37).

    1 Samuel 17 records David’s victory over Goliath. The Lord rescued David just as David proclaimed he would, and just like he rescued David, the Lord can rescue you.

    What Goliath are you facing today? That insurmountable challenge which continues to loom over you. It may be a challenge with your finances, in a relationship, or at your job. The challenge may take multiple shapes, but the truth of God’s Word remains the same – he can rescue you just like he did David.

    Ask the Lord for help with these challenges today.

    Thanks for reading.

  • Priceless: 7 Scriptures Reminding Us of Our Value to the Lord

    A father wanted to continue a family tradition of handing down a watch to the next generation, so he pulled his son aside one day and showed him the watch.

    “This watch has been in our family for many years,” the father explained. “I want to pass it down to you, but first, I want you to take it to the watch shop and request an appraisal.”

    The son took the watch to the shop, and the owner offered him $5 because the watch was very old. He reported this to his dad, and the son was given the task of taking the watch to the pawn shop for another appraisal.

    Again, an offer of $5 because the watch was very old.

    Next, the son was instructed to take the watch to the museum for a final appraisal. He excitedly reported back to his dad the museum offered a million dollars because of the watch’s age.

    In response, the dad said, “I had you do this to show you that you always want to go where you are the most valued. You never want to stay where you are not valued.”

    We always want to go where we are the most valued. The world may treat us as if we’re not valued, but the Bible assures us we have a great value. Here are 7 Scriptures to remind us of just how valuable we are to the Lord.

    John 3:16

    “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.”

    Jeremiah 31:3

    “The Lord appeared to him from far away. I have loved you with an everlasting love; therefore, I have continued my faithfulness to you.”

    Psalm 139:13-14

    “For you formed my inward parts; you knitted me together in my mother’s womb. I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Wonderful are your works; my soul knows it very well.”

    Romans 8:38-39

    “For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.”

    Zephaniah 3:17

    “The Lord your God is in your midst, a mighty one who will save; he will rejoice over you with gladness; he will quiet you by his love; he will exult over you with loud singing.”

    Ephesians 2:4-5 (New Testament):

    “But God, being rich in mercy, because of the great love with which he loved us, even when we were dead in our trespasses, made us alive together with Christ—by grace, you have been saved.”

    1 John 3:1

    “See what kind of love the Father has given to us, that we should be called children of God; and so, we are.”

    These verses reflect the biblical understanding that God’s love is unconditional, everlasting, and extends to all people. They convey the idea that each individual is valuable and beloved in the eyes of the Lord. Remember, you are highly valued!

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