Desire God

 

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God is the only worthy object of our desire. Nothing else is worthy because nothing else is inherently good. Everything that is good, beautiful, lovely, sweet or excellent has traits inasmuch as it resembles God. And the happiness it brings comes only when God grants an experience of his delightfulness through it (which is why sometimes our favorite things do not bring happiness at all.)

Think of what a marvelous truth it is that God is worthy of desire. To be worthy of desire, one must be capable of fulfilling that desire. God is worthy of all desire and nothing else is worthy of any desire because nothing else has the innate capability to satisfy the appetites of the soul. The presence of God always satisfies, no exceptions, ever.

~From Delight Yourself in God: A 20-Day Devotional on Four Surprising Attributes of God. Practical Steps For Drawing Near to God and Increasing Your Love For Him by D. Richard Ferguson

Stay Encouraged and Be Blessed!

Trust Jesus On Your Journey

 

Anyone who is honest will admit that he or she is ill-equipped to go through life alone. Our all-knowing God created us with a need for His guidance. In our own strength, knowledge, and reasoning power, we are simply not able to figure out how to make the wisest decisions. But the Lord’s assuring hand at our shoulder can lead us down right paths to good choices.

The Lord is willing and able to guide us, if we will let Him. It isn’t difficult to fall in step with Him. Acknowledge that you have wandered down paths of life that led to sin and disobedience. Choose to follow His lead instead by reading the Word of God and applying biblical principles to your life. And learn to pray through both large and small decisions as you seek the path He has set for you.

Just beyond our last heartbeat lies eternity. That’s where our Savior is pointing us. The path may not be clear to our eyes, but Jesus is leading us there with a steady and sure hand. Our part is to follow in obedience so that we may reach heaven and hear the Father say, “Well done.” 

~From Pastor Charles Stanley, Intouch.org

Stay Encouraged and Be Blessed!

Let No One Limit You

 

We spend energy trying to love others, care for others, and tell others about Jesus. But when that energy is met with closed hearts and open hostility, we walk away and keep going.

We keep sharing God’s love. We keep doing God’s work. We keep doing what’s good.

It’s okay to limit relationships that limit you. While we are challenged to love our enemies, pray for those who persecute us (Matthew 5:44), and go the extra mile for others, we’re also encouraged not to throw our pearls to pigs—meaning that we can’t spend all of our energy on those who won’t receive our love in the first place.

So, today, consider any relationships that you might need to deep clean. Then, spend time praying about how you can set some loving boundaries.

Pray: God, thank You for Your truth. Show me any relationships in my life where I need to set boundaries, and give me the wisdom to know what those boundaries are and the courage to stick to them. Help me become a better friend to those in my circle, and show me which relationships to invest my energy in. In Jesus’ name, amen.  

 

~From Deep Clean: Getting Rid Of Shame, Toxic Influences, And Unforgiveness Devotional on YouVersion

Stay Encouraged and Be Blessed!

Who Is Jesus To You

 

Who we decide Jesus is to us is a big question with big implications for our lives. But if we study the overwhelming and compelling evidence and then choose to believe that He is who He said He is—if we can take that leap of faith and ask, “Are You really there, and are You really good?”—it can be the start of an incredible journey and adventure. An adventure into life.

That’s why the offer He made two thousand years ago still stands for us today:

Come to Me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. — Matthew 11:28
 

Even today, for you and me, right now — that invitation has the power to change everything. If we let Him, He seeks us, saves us, strengthens us, supports us, and shows us how to live every day.

 

~From Soul Fuel by Bear Grylls

For God So Loved The World

 

 

But you, Bethlehem Ephrathah, Though you are little among the thousands of Judah, Yet out of you shall come forth to Me The One to be Ruler in Israel, Whose goings forth are from of old, From everlasting.
Micah 5:2 NKJV

Therefore the Lord Himself will give you a sign: Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a Son, and shall call His name Immanuel.
Isaiah 7:14 NKJV

I will declare the decree: The Lord has said to Me, ‘You are My Son, Today I have begotten You.'
Psalm 2:7 NKJV

For unto us a Child is born, Unto us a Son is given; And the government will be upon His shoulder. And His name will be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
Isaiah 9:6 NKJV

"Behold, the days are coming,” says the Lord, “That I will raise to David a Branch of righteousness; A King shall reign and prosper, And execute judgment and righteousness in the earth."
Jeremiah 23:5 NKJV

But when the fullness of the time had come, God sent forth His Son, born of a woman, born under the law,
Galatians 4:4 NKJV

And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we beheld His glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth.
John 1:14 NKJV

Now the birth of Jesus Christ was as follows: After His mother Mary was betrothed to Joseph, before they came together, she was found with child of the Holy Spirit.
Matthew 1:18 NKJV

“Behold, the virgin shall be with child, and bear a Son, and they shall call His name Immanuel,” which is translated, “God with us.”
Matthew 1:23 NKJV

“Behold! My Servant whom I uphold, My Elect One in whom My soul delights! I have put My Spirit upon Him; He will bring forth justice to the Gentiles. He will not cry out, nor raise His voice, Nor cause His voice to be heard in the street. A bruised reed He will not break, And smoking flax He will not quench; He will bring forth justice for truth. He will not fail nor be discouraged, Till He has established justice in the earth; And the coastlands shall wait for His law.
Isaiah 42:1-4 NKJV

Stay Encouraged and Be Blessed!
 

Death And Life Are In The Power of Your Tongue

 

Because we serve a God who speaks and uses His words to bring life, we are reminded that our words really do matter. They matter in our marriage, our family, the workplace, our relationships, and our church. Our words really are an overflow of what is going on in our hearts (Luke 6:45), and they have the power to shape the hearts of those whom God has surrounded us with.

In Proverb 10:21, the writer said, “The lips of the righteous nourish many.” With our words, we bring life, health, and good things to those we encounter. We make others better by what rolls off our tongue. With our lips, we are to avoid gossip, slander, malice, and idle talk, which steal life instead of nourishing it.

We can nourish those around us with words of encouragement. Speaking truth in love. Sharing our appreciation. Building others up with the truth and promises of God’s Word. We nourish others when we speak with gentleness and compassion. We bring life when we choose not to speak words that could easily be used as weapons. 

How are you using your words? Do your words bring nourishment to those around you? Take a moment and prayerfully consider how your words are bringing life or death to those you are closest to. Let’s pursue the righteousness described in Proverbs — being one who uses her words to nourish not just some, but many!

Lord, You are a God who speaks. As I reflect who You are to those around me, help me use my words wisely. Give me grace to “nourish many” with my lips. I confess that my words are not always used in a way that honors You. Forgive me and teach me to love and serve those around me with the words You give me. In Jesus’ name, amen. 

 

~From Settle My Soul by Karen Ehman and Ruth Schwenk

 

Stay Encouraged and Be Blessed!

Put On Your Shoes of Peace

 

 

The devil is not really after your car or your job or your house. No, not really. He’s after your peace, your joy, your hope, and your faith. He wants to spoil the fruit of the Spirit—love, joy, peace, patience, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, and self-control—in your life by tempting you to walk in the flesh.

Decide each day to put on your shoes of peace. Make a decision that nothing is going to steal the peace Jesus gave you. Choose to stay peaceful when the enemy is hitting you with his best shot. Seek peace with everyone around you, even when they are striving against you. Hold your peace!

 

 ~From 101 Tactics for Spiritual Warfare by Jennifer LeClaire 

Stay Encouraged and Be Blessed!