2 Corinthians 5:17 — Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come; the old has gone, the new is here!
Psalm 46:10 — Be still and know that I am God.
Philippians 1:6 — Being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.
Philippians 4:5 — Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.
1 Corinthians 13:6-7 — Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.
Jeremiah 29:13 — You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.
Luke 12: 22-24 — Then Jesus said to his disciples, "Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat' or about your body, what you will wear. For life more than food, and the body more than clothes. Consider the ravens: They do not sow or reap, they have no storeroom or barn; yet God feeds them. And how much more valuable you are than birds!"
Galatians 6:2 — Carry each other's burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.
Hebrews 12:1 — Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race market out for us
Jeremiah 29:11 — For I know the plans I have for you, declares the LORD, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.
James 1:2-4 — Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.
Psalm 61:2 — From the ends o the earth I call to you, I call as my heart grows faint; lead me to the rock that is higher than I.
Philippians 1:21 — For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain.
Colossians 3:23-24 — Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving.
2 Corinthians 5:17 — Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come. The old has gone, the new is here!
James 1:12 — Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial because, having stood the test, that person will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love him.
1 Corinthians 10:13 — No temptation has seized you except what is common to mankind. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can endure it.
Proverbs 29:23 — Pride brings a person low, but the lowly in spirit gain honor.
Joshua 1:9 — Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go.
Hebrews 12:7 — Endure hardships as discipline; God is treating you as his children. For what children are not disciplined by their father?
Showing posts with label Encouragement. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Encouragement. Show all posts
Monday, February 20, 2012
Thursday, February 2, 2012
The Lines Are Drawn!
The call to War.
What is going on? We are in a war with the world, the flesh, and the devil (collectively “Evil” or “The Enemy” in this writing)! The stakes are high! The kingdoms of light and darkness are colliding. The battle lines are being drawn – this is the epic battle of Good vs. Evil! This is THE Great War – and you are essential to the cause! You are being called upon to fulfill your destiny to be a “mighty hero.”
This War is invisible, internal, and often unexplainable. But it is real! Of course you feel it! The odds against us seem overwhelming and evil feels relentless. These are very important days – very possibly the last days! But there is great hope because our King is raising up an army of fully devoted followers! The Kingdom forces are led by Jesus Christ, and His armies are advancing. And in spite of what sins have been committed, you are being asked to join Him. It’s what you were made for! It is your destiny!
When Christ returns to earth in visible form, He will return armed for battle – ready to strike down the nations, with his robe dipped in blood and the armies of heaven following him on white horses. (see Rev. 19:11-16) “On his robe and thigh [will be] written this title: King of Kings and Lord of Lords.” Jesus came last time as suffering servant, a lamb as a sacrifice for our sins. He will return as a military commander – a conqueror and king to execute judgement.
“I will do this so you may know that I am the Lord, the God of Israel, the one who calls you by name.” (Isa. 45:3)
“I beg you to lead a life worthy of your calling, for you have been called by God.” (Eph. 4:1)
( Band of Brothers)
What is going on? We are in a war with the world, the flesh, and the devil (collectively “Evil” or “The Enemy” in this writing)! The stakes are high! The kingdoms of light and darkness are colliding. The battle lines are being drawn – this is the epic battle of Good vs. Evil! This is THE Great War – and you are essential to the cause! You are being called upon to fulfill your destiny to be a “mighty hero.”
This War is invisible, internal, and often unexplainable. But it is real! Of course you feel it! The odds against us seem overwhelming and evil feels relentless. These are very important days – very possibly the last days! But there is great hope because our King is raising up an army of fully devoted followers! The Kingdom forces are led by Jesus Christ, and His armies are advancing. And in spite of what sins have been committed, you are being asked to join Him. It’s what you were made for! It is your destiny!
When Christ returns to earth in visible form, He will return armed for battle – ready to strike down the nations, with his robe dipped in blood and the armies of heaven following him on white horses. (see Rev. 19:11-16) “On his robe and thigh [will be] written this title: King of Kings and Lord of Lords.” Jesus came last time as suffering servant, a lamb as a sacrifice for our sins. He will return as a military commander – a conqueror and king to execute judgement.
“I will do this so you may know that I am the Lord, the God of Israel, the one who calls you by name.” (Isa. 45:3)
“I beg you to lead a life worthy of your calling, for you have been called by God.” (Eph. 4:1)
( Band of Brothers)
Thursday, January 20, 2011
Don't Quit
January 19, 2011
Take One More Step
"We get knocked down, but we get up again." - 2 Corinthians 4:9 TLB
Failure can feel like a punch in the gut. And when it keeps happening it's tempting just to give up. But you can't; you must 'get up again.' Failing doesn't make you a failure, quitting does. H.E. Jensen said, 'The man who wins may have been counted out several times, but he didn't hear the referee.' A failure-free life feels safe, but it fosters boredom, apathy and low self-esteem. Ever noticed that the devil never reminds you of what you've learned? No, he wants you to keep reliving the painful details. Learn the lesson, then forget the details! Victory requires building on what you've learned and moving on. Theologian Brooke Foss Westcott said, 'Great occasions don't make heroes or cowards, they simply unveil them... Silently, as we wake or sleep, we grow strong or weak, and at last some crisis shows us what we have become.' This article ran in The Wall Street Journal: 'You've failed many times although you may not remember. You fell the first time you tried to walk. You almost drowned the first time you tried to swim. Did you hit the ball the first time you swung the bat? Heavy hitters, the ones who hit the most home runs, also strike out a lot. R.H. Macy failed seven times before his store in New York caught on. English novelist John Creasey got 753 rejection slips before publishing 564 books.' H. Jackson Brown gives us two rules for winning: Rule One: Take one more step. Rule Two: When you can't take one more step, refer to rule number one.
At Whit's End:
As Christians, we need to remember that it may seem as though we are at the end of our rope, but not the end of our hope! Our perishable bodies are subject to sin and suffering, but God never abandons us. Because Jesus has won the victory over death, we have eternal life. All our risks, humiliations, and trials are opportunities for Christ to demonstrate His power and presence in and through us. Pushing forward, step-by-step, is much easier with God on our side. Come on, you can do it...Jesus will help!
--Whit
Take One More Step
"We get knocked down, but we get up again." - 2 Corinthians 4:9 TLB
Failure can feel like a punch in the gut. And when it keeps happening it's tempting just to give up. But you can't; you must 'get up again.' Failing doesn't make you a failure, quitting does. H.E. Jensen said, 'The man who wins may have been counted out several times, but he didn't hear the referee.' A failure-free life feels safe, but it fosters boredom, apathy and low self-esteem. Ever noticed that the devil never reminds you of what you've learned? No, he wants you to keep reliving the painful details. Learn the lesson, then forget the details! Victory requires building on what you've learned and moving on. Theologian Brooke Foss Westcott said, 'Great occasions don't make heroes or cowards, they simply unveil them... Silently, as we wake or sleep, we grow strong or weak, and at last some crisis shows us what we have become.' This article ran in The Wall Street Journal: 'You've failed many times although you may not remember. You fell the first time you tried to walk. You almost drowned the first time you tried to swim. Did you hit the ball the first time you swung the bat? Heavy hitters, the ones who hit the most home runs, also strike out a lot. R.H. Macy failed seven times before his store in New York caught on. English novelist John Creasey got 753 rejection slips before publishing 564 books.' H. Jackson Brown gives us two rules for winning: Rule One: Take one more step. Rule Two: When you can't take one more step, refer to rule number one.
At Whit's End:
As Christians, we need to remember that it may seem as though we are at the end of our rope, but not the end of our hope! Our perishable bodies are subject to sin and suffering, but God never abandons us. Because Jesus has won the victory over death, we have eternal life. All our risks, humiliations, and trials are opportunities for Christ to demonstrate His power and presence in and through us. Pushing forward, step-by-step, is much easier with God on our side. Come on, you can do it...Jesus will help!
--Whit
Wednesday, August 25, 2010
hope
Hope
"My strength has perished, and so has my hope from the LORD." (Lam 3:18)
___________
When sorrow and trouble drain us of strength, when we have nothing left in
ourselves- the Lord understands. Did Jeremiah lack faith because he cried out?
"Remember my affliction and my wandering, the wormwood and bitterness. Surely my
soul remembers and is bowed down within me." (Lam 3:19-20) Crying out to God is
not a lack of faith. He knows where we go and where we are at and the bitterness
in this world. He cares for you.
"This I recall to my mind, therefore I have hope. The LORD'S lovingkindnesses
indeed never cease, for His compassions never fail." (Lam 3:21-22) Our faith is
little... mine is anyway, small like a mustard seed and I cause myself much
trouble.
But it's about the Lord's mercy, compassion, and kindness. "They are new every
morning; Great is Your faithfulness." (Lam 3: 23) Though all else is taken away,
you have this unshakable: "The LORD is my portion," says my soul, "Therefore I
have hope in Him." (Lam 3:24) Let's pray.
Heavenly Father, when encouragement seems far away, and our soul is bent and
humbled, help us remember: What we have is You.
Thank-You for true hope in the midst of our own weakness- hope that depends on
You. Your lovingkindness and mercy never comes to an end. Help us wait upon You-
for Your hand of mercy that never fails. Amen.
Today's very great and precious promise
The LORD is good to those who wait for Him, to the person who seeks Him. It is
good that he waits silently for the salvation of the LORD. (Lam 3:25-26)
We have God's Word on it.
"My strength has perished, and so has my hope from the LORD." (Lam 3:18)
___________
When sorrow and trouble drain us of strength, when we have nothing left in
ourselves- the Lord understands. Did Jeremiah lack faith because he cried out?
"Remember my affliction and my wandering, the wormwood and bitterness. Surely my
soul remembers and is bowed down within me." (Lam 3:19-20) Crying out to God is
not a lack of faith. He knows where we go and where we are at and the bitterness
in this world. He cares for you.
"This I recall to my mind, therefore I have hope. The LORD'S lovingkindnesses
indeed never cease, for His compassions never fail." (Lam 3:21-22) Our faith is
little... mine is anyway, small like a mustard seed and I cause myself much
trouble.
But it's about the Lord's mercy, compassion, and kindness. "They are new every
morning; Great is Your faithfulness." (Lam 3: 23) Though all else is taken away,
you have this unshakable: "The LORD is my portion," says my soul, "Therefore I
have hope in Him." (Lam 3:24) Let's pray.
Heavenly Father, when encouragement seems far away, and our soul is bent and
humbled, help us remember: What we have is You.
Thank-You for true hope in the midst of our own weakness- hope that depends on
You. Your lovingkindness and mercy never comes to an end. Help us wait upon You-
for Your hand of mercy that never fails. Amen.
Today's very great and precious promise
The LORD is good to those who wait for Him, to the person who seeks Him. It is
good that he waits silently for the salvation of the LORD. (Lam 3:25-26)
We have God's Word on it.
Saturday, June 19, 2010
Effective Men
FILLING - God's man is a self-feeder. Consistently studying and applying God's Word independent of the church or small group is essential. To do this, a man must be taught how to study the Bible.(1 Peter 2:1-3; Psalm 1:1-3).
TRAINING - God's man receives regular/weekly biblical instruction (1 Thessalonians 2:13). This can be achieved through a weekly small-group Bible study or large-group study with small-group discussion.
PRACTICING - God's man learns how to apply God's Word to all areas of life. It is essential to allowing room for accountability within the men's ministry for the purpose of consistency and obedience to God's Word (James 1:22-25; Ezekiel 33:30-32).
UNITING - God's man makes it a priority to connect with other men at least two times a month for the purpose of community, accountability, confession, and prayer (Galatians 6:1-3; James 5:16; Hebrews 10:23-24).
SURVIVING - God's man learns to address major life temptations and/or crises according to his need and life-stage. Support and encouragement from the ministry leader and small group is essential (Ecclesiastes 4:9-12).
REACHING - God's man gets involved in some form of ministry based on his gifts and talents. God has called each of us to pour out to others what He has poured into us (1 Peter 4:10-11; Ephesians 4:11-13)
IMPACTING - God's man invests time and resources into the lives of other men. 2ling (2 Tim. 2:22; Proverbs 27:17; Mark 3:13-14).
SHARING - God's man learns to actively share his faith in order to lead others into a personal relationship with Jesus Christ (Acts 1:8; 1 Peter 3:15; Matthew 28:18-20).
TRAINING - God's man receives regular/weekly biblical instruction (1 Thessalonians 2:13). This can be achieved through a weekly small-group Bible study or large-group study with small-group discussion.
PRACTICING - God's man learns how to apply God's Word to all areas of life. It is essential to allowing room for accountability within the men's ministry for the purpose of consistency and obedience to God's Word (James 1:22-25; Ezekiel 33:30-32).
UNITING - God's man makes it a priority to connect with other men at least two times a month for the purpose of community, accountability, confession, and prayer (Galatians 6:1-3; James 5:16; Hebrews 10:23-24).
SURVIVING - God's man learns to address major life temptations and/or crises according to his need and life-stage. Support and encouragement from the ministry leader and small group is essential (Ecclesiastes 4:9-12).
REACHING - God's man gets involved in some form of ministry based on his gifts and talents. God has called each of us to pour out to others what He has poured into us (1 Peter 4:10-11; Ephesians 4:11-13)
IMPACTING - God's man invests time and resources into the lives of other men. 2ling (2 Tim. 2:22; Proverbs 27:17; Mark 3:13-14).
SHARING - God's man learns to actively share his faith in order to lead others into a personal relationship with Jesus Christ (Acts 1:8; 1 Peter 3:15; Matthew 28:18-20).
Saturday, April 17, 2010
Get Activated
Old and New Testament images of masculinity
Moses,(one of the best educated men in the Old Testament) combined that education with authentic spirituality to lead the children of Israel.
Paul, one of the best trained men in the New Testament, combined his training with authentic spirituality to reach, first the Jews, and then the gentiles,
They led because of an internal conviction and a deep, abiding concern for people.
We are one weird group. We have moved away from the farm, away from hunting, away from working together, away from the family network. Now we live in cities where work has been redefined and our families are breaking down. The local church needs to become the small town - a cohesive family unit
There are no long-term relationships. People slip from church to church. We move from friendship to friendship. We have different friends at different times or stages in life.
Bill Bright said that every where the gospel has made a measurable societal impact, crime rates are own, teen pregnancy is down, and divorce rates are down. Society is impacted through a successful local church.
Human beings are nurtured through a series of relationships not through information or different ideas or reading a book or attending conferences. It happens only though the family. And where there is no functioning, family it must happen through the church.
Local church is essential in restoring moral values in a society moving in a direction opposed to the will of God. The local church is in the business of transforming people through the Word of God; radical transformation. Men's ministry must be in the business of building strong local churches. The purpose of men's ministry is to grow strong healthy churches.
Notes from a keynote address given by Pastor Ted Haggard (President, National Association of Evangelicals) to the NCMM
Moses,(one of the best educated men in the Old Testament) combined that education with authentic spirituality to lead the children of Israel.
Paul, one of the best trained men in the New Testament, combined his training with authentic spirituality to reach, first the Jews, and then the gentiles,
They led because of an internal conviction and a deep, abiding concern for people.
We are one weird group. We have moved away from the farm, away from hunting, away from working together, away from the family network. Now we live in cities where work has been redefined and our families are breaking down. The local church needs to become the small town - a cohesive family unit
There are no long-term relationships. People slip from church to church. We move from friendship to friendship. We have different friends at different times or stages in life.
Bill Bright said that every where the gospel has made a measurable societal impact, crime rates are own, teen pregnancy is down, and divorce rates are down. Society is impacted through a successful local church.
Human beings are nurtured through a series of relationships not through information or different ideas or reading a book or attending conferences. It happens only though the family. And where there is no functioning, family it must happen through the church.
Local church is essential in restoring moral values in a society moving in a direction opposed to the will of God. The local church is in the business of transforming people through the Word of God; radical transformation. Men's ministry must be in the business of building strong local churches. The purpose of men's ministry is to grow strong healthy churches.
Notes from a keynote address given by Pastor Ted Haggard (President, National Association of Evangelicals) to the NCMM
Monday, February 15, 2010
FOOD FOR THOUGHT
All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness(training,discipline), that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work.
2Timothy 3:16-17
It's time to move forward!!!!
2Timothy 3:16-17
It's time to move forward!!!!
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