Get Encouraged

Tag: Christianity

  • always be content

    A Content Life

    In a 2010 interview, Eunice Sandborn, age 114, said she had a happy life. She didn’t have any complaints. She believed complaining was a choice, and in her 114 years, there were times she had to choose not to complain. Eunice was content as she celebrated her birthday making her the oldest living person in the world.

    The Search for Contentment

    It seems Eunice had found contentment. We all search for it. Some look for it in a big home, there are those who look for it in how many cars they own, and still others search for contentment in a bank account balance. Being content is a desire we all share, and Scripture encourages us to find our contentment in the Lord.

    Hebrews 13 says, “Don’t love money. Be satisfied with what you have. For God has said, ‘I will never fail you. I will never abandon you.”

    Finding contentment in life has seasons of plenty and seasons of need. The writer of Hebrews reminds us the Lord is with us in both seasons. We may even find the most contentment in the leanest of seasons.

    The words of Hebrews 13 point to the complete reliability of God and his promises. God’s people can count on him no matter what comes.

    Remember, wherever you are in life today, the Lord is saying to you, “I will never fail you. I will not abandon you.”

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  • True Wisdom: A Gift from Above

    True wisdom is the foundation for success.

    There is an ancient Indian legend of a king who loved Chess. He challenged visitors to a game, and he was usually victorious. One day a traveling sage visited the kingdom and was challenged to a game. To entice him to play, the king offered to gave the sage whatever reward he asked if he won. When the king was defeated, to honor his word, the king asked the sage what prize he would like. The sage asked for one grain of rice to place on the first square of the Chessboard, and then, that it be doubled on each following square.

    The request seemed modest, and the king asked for a bag of rice to be brought. It soon became apparent the terms of the request were impossible to meet. By the 21st square, more than 1 million grains would be required; by the 31st square, the total would go over 1 billion, with more than half the Chessboard still left to go.

    Small things have a big impact when they are added together. It is important that we seek God’s wisdom for every decision we make regardless of how small it seems to us. When we add to our wisdom and understanding, it grows stronger and stronger.

    Gaining God’s wisdom.

    James 1:5 says, “If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives to all generously without finding fault, and it will be given to him.”

    The Bible records Solomon being able to ask for whatever he wanted, and he asked for wisdom to lead Israel. The Lord was so impressed by Solomon’s request that he granted it as well as all the others he could have requested. Wisdom was the foundation for Solomon’s success. It is also the foundation for our success.

    Wisdom is the foundation for success.

    Ecclesiastes concludes wisdom is the foundation to everything else. Solomon writes in 12:13, “That’s the whole story. Here now is my final conclusion: fear God and obey his commands. For this is everyone’s duty.”

    Wisdom has a good look.

    James 3:13 says, “If you are wise and understand God’s ways, prove it by living an honorable life doing good works with the humility that comes from wisdom.” Wisdom is humble.

    James 3:17 says, “But the wisdom from above is first of all pure.

    According to the IVP New Testament Commentary Series, “James is deliberate to state a foremost characteristic of the wisdom from above. It is first of all pure, and only then the other qualities. His term speaks of holiness and provides the immediate contrast to every evil practice. The first and foremost reason for valuing wisdom is that it will lead people to do what is morally right. Today’s popular relativism makes it all the more pressing Christians do what is right.”

    Verses 17-18 go on, “It is also peace loving, gentle at all times, and willing to yield to others. It is full of mercy and the fruit of good deeds. It shows no favoritism and is always sincere. And those who are peacemakers will plant seeds of peace and reap a harvest of righteousness.”

    Is true wisdom from above our guiding force? Are we allowing wisdom to guide our decisions? Will we do what is wise?

    As we move forward in our lives, these are good questions to ask ourselves.

  • Embracing Today: Let Go of Tomorrow’s Worries

    How full is your calendar today? If you are like me, it is pretty full. Between work, getting the kids to school, and running errands, there is just not a lot of time for anything else. Especially worry about tomorrow. That’s why it is encouraging to find this nugget of wisdom tucked away in Matthew 6.

    Jesus says, “Don’t worry about tomorrow for today has enough worries of its own” (Matthew 6:34)

    As we think of all that is coming and all that may happen tomorrow, it is easy to let worry creep into our lives. However, Jesus encourages us not to worry about those events and days in the future. We are reminded the Lord has our back. He is going to take care of tomorrow. After all, today’s agenda is full; there’s no room for worry about tomorrow.

    Thanks for reading.

  • Psalm 59: A Fortress in Life’s Struggles

    His enemies were hard at work. The bullies were continually taunting and chasing him. Gossip about him was always being spread. There was no rest, and it was this struggle that gave birth to Psalm 59. David wrote these words of encouragement:

    “But I will sing of your strength,

    in the morning I will sing of your love;

    for you are my fortress,

    my refuge in times of trouble.

    You are my strength, I sing praise to you;

    you, God, are my fortress….”

    As David wrote Psalm 59, his enemies surrounded his home with murder on their minds (1 Samuel 19), yet he knew he could rely on the Lord. We may not awake to find our home surrounded, but our enemies are hard at work. The taunting of a bully, harassment of a coworker, or the passing of a loved one may be overwhelming us. It may be the crippling affects of physical illness that is crushing us. Our worries batter us; our struggles bruise us. Our enemies have many shapes and sizes, but the truth of Psalm 59 conquers them all. The Lord is our fortress; he is our strength. The Lord reminds us his grace is sufficient. His grace is all we need (2 Corinthians 12:9).

    It is no secret life can be hard. but we can rely on the Lord. When we are feeling battered, he is our fortress. When we’re feeling bruised, he is our refuge.

    Allow this truth to sink in for a moment, then go out and face your enemies with a newfound confidence. You know the Lord is your fortress on whom you can rely.

    Thanks for reading.

  • Finding Peace: Let Go of Worry with Faith

    My eyes snapped open. It was 2:37 a.m. Mind racing, “How is this problem at work going to be resolved? What is going to happen if the client is angry?” The worry of this situation jolted me awake. Have you been there? I’m guessing your answer is “Yes!”

    Worry is something we all deal with in our everyday lives. Whether it’s stress about work, relationships, or just the uncertainties of the future, it can feel overwhelming at times. Many of us find ourselves lying awake at night, replaying our worries in our minds. However, there’s comfort in knowing that we don’t have to carry these burdens alone. In 1 Peter 5:7, we’re reminded to cast all our anxieties on God, who cares for us deeply.

    “Pour out all your worries and stress upon him and leave them there, for he always tenderly cares for you.”

    This simple yet powerful message encourages us to release our worries and trust that we are not alone in our struggles. As our Good Shepherd, the Lord invites us to dump all of our worry and anxiety on him.

    • Jesus invites us to exchange our burden for his (Matthew 11:28-30)
    • We’re invited to bring everything to the Lord in prayer, and his peace, which surpasses our understanding, will guard our hearts and minds (Philippians 4:6-7).

    Start today. Pour your worries and anxieties on the Lord, and allow him to care for you. Replace the tossing and turning of worry with peaceful rest in the Lord.

    Thanks for reading.

  • Matt’s Transformation: From Tax Collector to Disciple

    Taste, and see that the Lord is good. Matt did.

    Matt was an official responsible for collecting taxes. He wasn’t well liked, and at times, Matt inflated the amounts owed to add extra cushion to his own pockets. Matt was at work one day, and it turned into a historic day. Matt had a life-changing experience.

    The day began as any other. Matt was in his office collecting from tax payers, and taking much more than they owed. A large crowd came down the road being led by Jesus.

    As they passed by, Jesus called out to Matt. One thing led to another, and Matt found himself hosting a dinner party where Jesus was the guest of honor. It was on this day Matt realized the truth of Scripture.

    “God blesses those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be satisfied” (Matthew 5:6).

    The life-altering experience for Matt was a changing of pursuits. His desire changed from gaining material possessions for himself to pursuing a close relationship with the Lord. Rather than robbing others, he began having compassion for them. Seeking the Lord satisfied a longing inside Matt that couldn’t be fulfilled any other way.

    Notice the promise of Matthew 5:6. Seeking after a relationship with the Lord leads to satisfaction. What are you pursuing today?

    Thanks for reading. Please share.

  • God’s Plan: Embracing Life’s Unexpected Turns

    God’s Plan: Embracing Life’s Unexpected Turns

    The shortest route between two places is a straight line; however, going straight from point A to point B does not always work. It is not always the best route; it sure wasn’t for the people of Israel.

    The Lord delivered Israel from the Egyptian bondage they were suffering. He designed an exit strategy which had them leave in a hurry, but they did not go directly to the land of Canaan. Exodus 13:17 records:

    “When Pharaoh let the people go, God did not lead them on the road through the Philistine country, though that was shorter. For God said, “If they face war, they might change their minds and return to Egypt.”

    Israel did not go directly to their destination because it wasn’t what was best for them. Though it may have seemed the Lord had the people wondering aimlessly in the wilderness, he had their best interests in mind and was always accomplishing his purpose. The Lord knew a direct route was not best in this situation.

    Sometimes, the Lord may not take our lives on a direct route. It may seem there are many twists and turns to get to where we are going, but we can rest assured the Lord knows what he is doing. Jeremiah 29:11 reminds us that the Lord knows the plans he has for us. Those twists in turns of life are in our best interest. It may not seem like it at the time, but the Lord knows the best route to our destination.

    Thanks for reading.

  • True Love Inspires Service

    True love has a remarkable way of inspiring us to serve one another selflessly. When we deeply care for someone, we naturally want to do whatever we can to make their lives better, to bring them joy, and to support them through both the good times and the bad. One of the most powerful examples of this selfless love and service can be found in the teachings and actions of Jesus Christ.

    Jesus, known for his unconditional love and compassion, exemplified true love through his servant-hearted attitude. He didn’t come to be served but to serve, showing us that true greatness lies in humbly serving others. Throughout his ministry, Jesus consistently put the needs of others before his own, demonstrating the transformative power of love in action.

    Jesus washed the feet of his disciples, a task typically reserved for servants, to show them the importance of humility and serving one another with love. He healed the sick, fed the hungry, and comforted the broken-hearted, showing us that true love is not just a feeling but a tangible expression of care and compassion.

    When we experience true love, whether it’s from a friend, a family member, or a romantic partner, it ignites a desire within us to serve them in return. We find joy and fulfillment in putting their needs above our own, in lending a helping hand, and in being there for them in times of need.

    True love drives us to serve one another because it’s rooted in a deep connection and commitment to each other’s well-being. It’s about going the extra mile, sacrificing our own comfort for the sake of others, and showing up for them day after day, no matter what.

    In a world often focused on self-interest and individualism, true love stands out as a beacon of hope and inspiration. It reminds us that we are all interconnected and that our lives are enriched when we serve and care for one another with genuine love and compassion, just as Jesus did.

  • True Love Sees Our True Beauty

    In a world where beauty standards seem to change like the weather, it’s easy to get caught up in appearances. We often judge ourselves and others based on outer beauty, forgetting that true love goes much deeper than skin-deep. True love sees our true beauty, the beauty that lies within our hearts and souls, untouched by age or imperfections.

    True love isn’t concerned with how we look on the outside. It doesn’t matter if we have flawless skin, perfect hair, or a model’s physique. Instead, true love looks at the beauty that radiates from within – our kindness, compassion, and authenticity.

    When someone truly loves us, they see us for who we are beyond our physical appearance. They appreciate our quirks, embrace our imperfections, and love us unconditionally. True love sees the sparkle in our eyes when we’re passionate about something, the warmth in our smile when we’re happy, and the strength in our spirit when we face challenges.

    In a world that often emphasizes outward beauty, it’s refreshing to find someone who sees the beauty in our flaws and imperfections. True love isn’t about seeking perfection but about embracing our uniqueness and loving us for who we are, warts and all.

    When we experience true love, we feel accepted, cherished, and valued for who we are as individuals. We no longer feel the need to hide behind masks or pretend to be someone we’re not. Instead, we can be our authentic selves, knowing that we are loved just the way we are.

    True love transcends physical attraction and superficiality. It’s about forming a deep emotional connection with someone who sees us for our essence – our hopes, dreams, fears, and aspirations. It’s about sharing our lives with someone who loves us not in spite of our imperfections but because of them.

    So, as we journey through life, let’s remember that true love sees beyond appearances. Let’s cherish those who love us for who we are and strive to love others in the same way, appreciating the beauty that lies within each and every one of us.

  • What is True Love: Insights from 1 Corinthians 13

    True love – it’s a phrase we hear often, but what does it really mean? In the hustle and bustle of everyday life, it’s easy to get caught up in the whirlwind of romantic movies and fairy tales that paint love as a grand gesture or a passionate whirlwind. However, when we dig deeper, we find a timeless definition in one of the most cherished books of wisdom: 1 Corinthians 13.

    Love, as described in this passage, is patient. It’s about understanding, empathy, and giving others the time they need to grow and flourish. It’s not about rushing or forcing things but allowing relationships to unfold naturally, respecting each other’s pace.

    True love is also kind. It’s about compassion, generosity, and showing genuine care for one another. Small acts of kindness can speak volumes, whether it’s a listening ear, a helping hand, or a simple smile. Kindness nurtures love and fosters a sense of connection.

    Love does not envy or boast; it is not proud. In a world often consumed by comparison and ego, true love is humble and selfless. It celebrates the successes of others without feeling threatened and recognizes the inherent worth in every individual.

    Love is not self-seeking; it is not easily angered, and it keeps no record of wrongs. It’s about prioritizing the well-being of others above our own desires, learning to let go of resentment, and choosing forgiveness. True love is about building bridges, not walls.

    It rejoices with the truth, always protecting, trusting, hoping, and persevering. True love is rooted in honesty, integrity, and unwavering commitment. It’s about standing by each other through thick and thin, facing challenges together with unwavering faith.

    In essence, true love, as depicted in 1 Corinthians 13, is a profound and unconditional affection that transcends boundaries and withstands the test of time. It’s not flashy or loud but rather gentle, steadfast, and enduring. It’s the glue that binds relationships, families, and communities together, offering solace, support, and strength in times of need.

    So, as we navigate the complexities of love in our lives, let’s remember the timeless wisdom of 1 Corinthians 13 and strive to embody its principles in our relationships, knowing that true love is not just a fleeting emotion but a lifelong journey of growth, understanding, and connection.