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Today’s Encouragement 5/12/22

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Therefore if the Son makes you free, you shall be free indeed (John 8:36 NKJV).

With our nation being as divided as it is in almost all areas, we may be upset that others don’t see or feel like we do. We may become so focused on all the depravity, greed, corruption and deceptive news and feel frustrated that others aren’t seeing it for what it is. This, too, is a tactic of the enemy. He is an attention hog and the more attention we give to what he’s got going on, the less we will pay attention to what Papa is saying and doing. This will cause us to pray from a fearful position and not our rightful authoritative and victorious one.

It does not matter how many times we write, speak, watch documentaries or quarrel with each other or those with opposing view points. It will be of no avail because it is earthly reasoning at work and that does not penetrate the spirit. It is the Gospel that sets people free and dissolves the veil of deception. We must remember that our fight is not in the natural but in the spirit and we must stay focused on the spiritual things of heaven.

It is the influencing spirits behind the people that we need to battle,but the people themselves need the Gospel. Not the happy clappy, diluted version that we have become so accustomed to, but the Holy Spirit infused truth. Where the demons gather, we must also gather to preach the gospel and resist the devil and make him flee in terror. We must remember who we are and walk in that authority and power to see people truly set free.

Today’s Encouragement 5/6/22

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I will lift up my eyes to the hills— From whence comes my help? My help comes from the Lord, Who made heaven and earth. He will not allow your foot to be moved; He who keeps you will not slumber. Behold, He who keeps Israel Shall neither slumber nor sleep. The Lord is your keeper; The Lord is your shade at your right hand. The sun shall not strike you by day, Nor the moon by night. The Lord shall preserve you from all evil; He shall preserve your soul. The Lord shall preserve your going out and your coming in From this time forth, and even forevermore (Psalm 121:1-8 NKJV).

Papa is a very present help in our time of need. He is always there and can always be counted on. He will never let us down. Where people may disappoint, He will not. There is nothing we face that He is not aware of and provisioning for; He never leaves nor forsake.

Whatever situation or circumstance we find ourselves in, we simply can turn to our Heavenly Father to help us through. When life wants us to drag our eyes down to what is in front of us, Papa is gently calling us to look to Him.

Stay focused on Papa no matter what and He will see you through. Look up!

Today’s Encouragement 4/28/22

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Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things (Philippians 4:8 ESV).

Think about what you think about. There is much negative and fearful news on the airwaves that permeates our thoughts and affects our responses. These thoughts will often come when we aren’t expecting them and are ever so helpful to get us off our faith track and on the fear expressway. Stop letting those thoughts drive!

Thoughts such as those are sent to cause worry, anxiety, rash and fear filled reactions and decisions. They scream in your ear “pay attention to me! No one can help! You are all alone! What if this…? What if that…?” Grab hold of those thoughts and shackle them to Christ which binds and silences them.

Think new thoughts. Where can you get new thoughts? The Word of God, his creation, worship, and fellowship are good places to start. Knowing who you are in Christ and knowing your inheritance in Him will shape your thoughts and strengthen your ability to hold negative thoughts captive. “But what about…?”, you say, well what about it? Bring it to the feet of Jesus in prayer. No matter what goes on around us, bring it to Jesus and ask for His thoughts on the matter.

The world will focus on the bad news, let us dig and find the good news, the celebration-worthy news and make sure we continually share the good news!

Today’s Encouragement 4/27/22

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The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want (Psalm 23:1 ESV).

What a profound picture of our Papa! So much of His nature and character in this one sentence, yet Jesus expounded on this as He walked the earth and ministered to people. Shepherds care for and protect their flock. They guide them, lead them and go after those that stray. This is also a perfect example of what Papa does for us!

Papa knows all we need, when we need it and how best to fulfill the need. He also has a supply which never runs out. We have absolutely no need to worry about anything! He has taken care of everything. We simply ask and receive! He’s a Father that gives bread for bread and meat for meat. Expect to have what you need and see how He gives!

Meditate on this verse, lock it in your heart and let it fill your soul. Papa loves you and has only the best for you! Trust Him to provide.

Today’s Encouragement 4/26/22

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“And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near” (Hebrews 10:24-25 ESV).

Encouragement. Every single person on this planet needs encouragement. It not only makes us feel good to receive it, but it spurs us forward, gives us hope that we are accomplishing something, makes us feel part of something greater. It is free to give and free to receive, it can be simple or it can be extravagant. However, the best thing is this, too, is subject to Papa’s math. The more we encourage others, the more we are encouraged.

Today’s Scripture is most often used in the context of getting people to come to church, but I contend that it goes deeper than that. No matter where, when, or how we gather together, we are sharpening each other. My sword may have taken many dings in battle and you, in your love and encouragement, are the tool with which my sword is sharpened. And vice versa. We need each other.

Encouragement is also not only for when we are gathered together as believers, encouragement is also an evangelistic tool. We live in a fallen world where many people feel left out, forgotten, passed over, lonely, not worthy, etc.; yet, Papa sees every single one. We need to be discerning and listening to the Holy Spirit for words of encouragement to bring light and love into the darkness they often feel oppressed by. We should never save encouraging words for just our brethren, we must take them out of the vaults of our hearts and unbox them before the world.

Be an encourager.