Encouragement for your Day

Encouragement for your day: 12/24/2020 “Importance of Christmas!”

(Luke 2:11) For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.

I’m convinced that the most important event in human history was the coming of Jesus Christ into the world, and what happened as a result of His presence with us.

(Ephesians 2:12). Tells us that without Christ Jesus, we are without God, and without God we are without hope.

Because of Jesus we can know God, We know of His nature. God is love, God is holy, God is righteous, God is just, God is all powerful, all knowing, kind, compassionate, caring, ever forgiving, always giving, and willing to save to the uttermost.

The Apostle John tells us that no man hath seen God at any time, but if we want to really see and know what God is like all we need to do is look at Jesus. (John 1:18) No man hath seen God at any time, the only begotten Son, which is in the bosom of the Father, He hath declared Him.

Jesus coming into the world has supreme importance.
1. Because of Jesus we are no longer separated for God by our sin.
2. Because of Jesus our sins are cleansed by His sacrifice at Calvary.
3. Because of Jesus we have hope, peace, joy, and promise of eternal life.

This is what Christmas is all about. May you have a blessed and memorable Christmas. Might you experience, peace, and joy of the Lord Jesus. (enjoy it!)

Encouragement for your day - December 17, 2020

(Galatians 5:22)But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith,

Christmas is all about love, joy, peace and good will.

God loved you and sent Jesus to bring peace and joy to you in a troubled world.

(Luke 2:10) An angel appeared to the shepherds saying, I bring you good tidings of great joy which shall be to all people.

Love is the last thing we feel when we are discouraged. I fear that because the condition of our world there are many people that feel discouraged. Some may even feel unloved.

May this Christmas season remind you to not be discouraged that you are a child of God, and God has demonstrated His love by the Babe of Bethlehem.

Be of great cheer, you are loved, as the Lord fills your heart and life with peace and joy, (enjoy it!)

Encouragement for your day: 12/10/2020 “Experience His joy”

(Luke 1:14) And thou shalt have joy and gladness; and many shall rejoice at His birth.

Life is always fluctuating, and as the world around us is constantly changing it shouldn’t affect the joy that came to the world through the birth of the babe in the manger.

As we sing, “Joy to the world the Lord has come.” (Luke 2:10) says, And the angles said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people.

It should give you great joy to know the present situations of the world is not our final destination, for the best is yet to come.

Jesus counted it His joy to come into the world to make know the love of God and the way of salvation so that your joy might be full.

Whatever your situation may be, may the joy of the Lord fill your heart and life with good tidings and great joy! (enjoy it!)

Encouragement for your day: 12/3/2020, “Be an over-comer!”

(1 John 4:4)Ye are of God, little children, and have overcome them: because greater is He that is in you, than he that is in the world.

We are living at a time when people are tempted to give in to the worldly ways of life.

But the life that you live is not determined by outside sources. The life that you live is determined by what you make of it. Everybody is faced with challenges they have to overcome. Some people complain about them, some people overcome them and use them to get stronger and better.

(John 16:33) Jesus says, “These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation, but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.

I know that being a child of God, and looking to Jesus, there isn’t anything you and Jesus cannot overcome. Walking in victory with Jesus makes every day exciting. (enjoy it!)

Encouragement for your day: 11/26/2020 “It is Thanksgiving Day!

(Psalm 105:1a) Praise the Lord, O give thanks unto the Lord; for He is good.

(1 Thessalonians 5:18) In everything give thanks: for it is the will of God in Christ Jesus.

Today you will set around a table, and probably stuff yourself with g-o-o-d food until you bulge.

Then watch a pre-played football game, or set around talking about silly things that happened in your lives. Maybe you will discuss plans for the Christmas Holidays.

Maybe you will share with each other some things that Thanksgiving reminds you of God and His goodness.
I am thankful for, “God’s goodness”
God is good because it is His nature. He is kind, generous, and loving.
God is good because of the salvation extended to us through Jesus.
God is good because He provides our daily needs.
God is good because He gives us strength to endure troubled and trying times.
God is good because He is ever present, to guide, guard and protect us.

I could go on and on, there are so many things I can think of to be thankful for.

These are just a start of that which motivates me to have a grateful heart to be thankful.

What motivates us to be thankful? Maybe that is something that you can share with one another as you relax and digest that bountiful Thanksgiving Day meal.

I really encourage you to have an attitude of thanksgiving every day. It will give peace and joy to your life. (enjoy it!)

HAPPY THANKSGIVING!

Encouragement for your day: 11/19/20 “An abundant day’

(John 10:10b)… Jesus said that He came that we might have abundant life.

(1 Peter 1:3) said Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, which according to his abundant mercy hath begotten us again unto a lively hope by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead,

Certainly these verses are talking about the hope we have in Heaven, and this is the hope that anyone and everyone can have. These come through Christ Jesus, who has resin from the dead and is alive.

I also believe this abundant mercy, and abundant life has a lot to do with you and your life today.

This word abundant has the meaning of “available in large quantities,” “something there is plenty of.”

You not only have hope for tomorrow of the eternal things, but God’s mercy and abundant life is available to you today through your faith in Christ Jesus which makes it all possible.

In life’s ups and downs, looking to Jesus, God’s abundant mercy will see you through and will give you grace to withstand the temptations that come your way.
Not only that, but God will make available great quantities of joy which there is plenty of, to make your day great! (enjoy it!)

Encouragement for your day: 11/12/2020 “Be renewed”
(2 Corinthians 4:16) For which cause we faint not though our outward man perish; yet the inward man is renewed day by day;

Often times our outward circumstances in life are very mean and despicable; we are oftentimes in a very distressed condition through the common necessaries of life; our bodies are almost worn out with fatigue, labor, and sorrow, and life just ready to fall in pieces:

Yet as Christians we are not discouraged, our spirits do not sink under the weight of them; we do not give out because of them, but go on cheerfully therein: and the more so, since we experience the love of God, by our faith in Jesus, we continue to experience the grace of God that gives strength to endure.

May you be revived and renewed and may you receive a daily increase in the light and life of Jesus that will make your life fruitful and happy every day. (enjoy it!)

Encouragement for your day: Think positive!

(Philippians 4:8)Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think on these things.

There is so many today that express nothing but negative thoughts, worrying about the future, replaying events in the past, and generally focusing on the parts of life that leave us dissatisfied. While common, negative or unwanted thoughts can distract you from focusing on what's important, and drain your energy. They can also make you feel anxious and depressed.

But if you remember the Apostle Paul said if there be any good thing think on these things.

The Christian has so many good things going for them, God loves you, Jesus came that you might experience abundant life. Went to the cross, rose from the dead to give you hope of eternal life. These are far most positive thoughts. Think on these things.

Positive thinking has many benefits including increased confidence, lower stress levels, better coping skills, etc.

“Once you replace negative thoughts with positive ones, you’ll start having positive results.”

I am sure God has something good coming your way today. Let’s have positive thoughts as we venture out today and see what good things God will bring your way.

(enjoy it!)

Encouragement for your day:

(James 4:6) But he giveth more grace. Wherefore he saith, God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace unto the humble.

We have great hope each and every day, because Jesus is our Hope. He is faithful and eternal.

As you go forth boldly and humbly today knowing God is always faithful. Remember that every day is a new day, and He gives happiness that the world cannot give.

So dear friend, take a deep breath, choose to walk humbly before God and He will lift you up to experience new things in this new day. (enjoy it!)

Encouragement for your day - October 22, 2020 - "Be a light."

(Matthew 5:14) Jesus said, “Ye are the light of the world.

(Ephesians 5:8). Paul wrote, “Ye are light in the Lord: walk as children of light.”

At night, the fishermen in Jesus' day suspended lamps out from the boat and attracted fish to the light.

Is your light bright enough to attract others to Christ, and do we have enough love to draw them in?

God's way to fish is to attract people with Christ's light in you and then draw them in with nets of love.

As you let the love and light of Jesus dwell richly in you, you are sure to brighten someone’s day which will make your day glow! (enjoy it!)

Encouragement for your day:"opportunity"

(Galatians 6:10) As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all men, especially unto them who are of the household of faith.

Someone has said, “Opportunity is missed by most people because it is dressed in overalls and looks like work.”

It is not that we are to do good when it is convenient; or when it will advance our interest; or make us feel good; but we are to do it when we have the opportunity. No matter how often that occurs; no matter how much self-denial it may cost us; no matter how little fame we may get by it; still, if we have the opportunity to do good, we are to do it, and should be thankful for the privilege.

Do you want to have a fruitful rewarding day? I encourage you to go out of your way to do something good for someone who needs someone to go out of their way to do something good for them today. (enjoy it!)

Encouragement for your day:

(Philippians 4:8) Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.

I highly encourage you to dwell on these thing to make your day joyful and productive in the Lord! (enjoy it!)

Encouragement for your day: Experience the unseen

(2 Corinthians 4:18).The Bible encourages us to “look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen”

It all raises a question for us: are you looking at the things which are seen or the things that are unseen?

Right now, it feels to many of us like the world has gone crazy. This pandemic certainly wasn’t a part of my plan and we may not be able to see how it fits into God’s plans. But the truth is—God is always in control and his plans are never thwarted. So, it may be hard to see.

Three things unseen we should look for is God’s presence, God’s protection, and God’s providence.

Lord help us recognize your presence in lives. Help us to be more aware of your protection, and to seek shelter in you. Help us to see the beauty of your providence and trust that your plans will never fail.

As you go through your day realizing what you don’t see is really at work in your life should make for a rejoicing day in what you do see! (enjoy it!)

Encouragement for your day: 9/24/20 Rejoice!

(Philippians 4:4) Rejoice in the Lord always, and again I say rejoice.

The Apostle Paul new how to turn the tables on difficult times, times of discouragement and he new how to rejoice in the Lord.

Living in the world, it is easy to be discouraged things don’t always go as we planned. Today many people are not happy with things are going in the world. There are so many things we that we can be discouraged about.

When anxiety seem to rule the day, you can turn the tables on your stress, Sing a song as if it were the best day of your life and not the worst,

Tell God how much you love Him, even when you might feel unloved. Choose joy in the midst of anxiety, and it will make for better day. (enjoy it!)

Encouragement for your day: 9/17/20 Be Light!

(Matthew 5:14) Jesus said, “Ye are the light of the world!”….

Today there’s a need for Light in our world. We live in a world filled with darkness because everyone is choosing to do their own thing and, they make Jesus into what they want Him to be.

We are to be like Jesus and Jesus said, “I am the light of the world.”

If we are going to be like Jesus we must be light unto the world.

We are not only to be the light but we should also shine the light.”

It is not sufficient to have light - we must walk in the light, and by the light, and be the light.

I encourage you to dispel the darkness around you today by being the light in someone’s world. And I am sure Jesus will light up your day. (enjoy it!)

Encouragement for your day:

(1 Thessalonians 5:18) In everything give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.

This is the reason that all things work together for good for them That love God.

This is the reason you should always be happy.

Commit all circumstances to God in prayer. If you fail to give thanks for what He is doing, why should He do more?

Committing and asking are vital part of life. But thanksgiving is often overlooked.

Why not start your day off with thanksgiving and see all things work together to make you happy?

(enjoy it!)

Encouragement for your day: 9/3/2020 According to your faith!

(Matthew 9:29) Then touched He their eyes saying, According to your faith be it unto you

In this day we are living we are faced with things that we never though we would have to deal with.

Did you ever think you would have to wear a mask everywhere you went?

Did you ever think you would be forced to home school your children?

Did you ever think you would have to have the exact amount of money to make a purchase?

Did you ever think you would be barred from attending Church?

I Don’t know what you might be faced with today, but I do know if you have faith you will have the strength to see you to it and through it.

By faith in the Lord It is still possible to have a joyful day. Remember Jesus said according to your faith be it unto you! (enjoy it!)

Encouragement for your day:

(Psalm 138:3) In the day when I cried Thou answeredst me, and strengthenedst me with strength in my soul.

David was in great distress, being persecuted by King Saul, even in fear of his life, yet in all the trouble he was faced with he knew where to get help which would strengthen him to face his difficulties.

By the turn of events today, we are faced with insurmountable challenges, we too can turn to the all powerful Creator God.

As you cry out to the Lord God, He is sure to hear you and strengthen you, by the strength of the Lord you can face your fears and do the impossible.

Crying out to the Lord in your difficult times and trusting Him to strengthen you through them always makes for a rejoicing and wonderful day. (enjoy it!)

Encouragement for your day: (Perseverance)

(Jeremiah 29:11) For I know the plans I have for you,” says the Lord. “They are plans for good and not for disaster. To give you a future and a hope.” 2 (NLT)

(Jeremiah 29:11)For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the LORD, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end. (KJV)

(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. (???)

Three different versions of this verse.This is a passage that is quite often quoted in the wrong context.

This verse was spoken to the Israelite while in Babylonian captive. Don’t put your hope on these verse.

But let me assure you God does know the plans He has for you and He does have a bright future for you.

Now you do know that the temptations and trials that you face today is a time of testing to see if you will persevere. And when you learn perseverance you will you will find surprising joy. Joy of the Lord!

So, face the trials of today determined to persevere, and the Lord will fill your day with joy. (enjoy it!)

Encouragement for your day:Laughter

(Proverbs 17:22) A merry heart doeth good like a medicine; but a broken spirit drieth the bones.

Nothing has such a direct tendency to ruin health and waste your life as grief, anxiety, fretfulness, along with a bad temper.

Laughter is the most beautiful and beneficial therapy God ever granted humanity.

So I thought I would try to start your day with a laugh.

“Just think if it weren’t for marriage, men would go through life thinking they had no faults at all.”

“Women will never be equal to men until they can walk down the street with a bald head and a big gut, and still think they are attractive.”

“I didn’t call you stupid but when I ask you how to spell Mississippi and you ask me if that was the state or the river. It just caught me off guard.”

Now as you go through the day, say something, do something that will make someone laugh and see how much healthier your day will go. (enjoy it!)

Encouragement for your day:“Joy in the Lord!”

(James 1:2-4) says, (I paraphrase,) “Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance.

In this passage James is saying when your faith is tested and you persevere it only makes you stronger.

This is why we must stop wallowing in self pity and complaining and latch on to the joy of the Lord.

Even when you feel face down in the mud puddle, choose to have joy over bitterness, anger and sorrow, no matter what.

So, as you go forth today, go in the joy of the Lord and you won’t come home with a mud pack. (enjoy it!)

Encouragement for your day: “Good Thought”

(Psalm 25:5) Lead me in thy truth, and teach me: for thou art the God of my salvation; on thee do I wait all the day.

In these trying times we are living in we are faced with situations that we have never experienced before. But let us consider:

Ever situation in life is temporary, make sure you enjoy it fully.

And when life is not so good, remember that it will not last forever,

And better days are on the way.

Look at every situation as learning, I have learnt much from my good experiences as well as my bad.

Always remember that your present situation is not your final destination, the best is yet to come.

Never get too comfortable in any temporary situation because it could become your new permanent reality, and by the time you realize it’s too late.

As we look to the Lord God and Jesus our Savior, every temporary situation can become a lesson and pathway to that which is eternal.

As you ask for divine guidance you will receive power to deal with and enjoy the temporary situations which will lead to the reality of eternity. As you wait on the Lord, (enjoy it!)

Encouragement for your day:

(Philippians 4:8) Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.

(Proverbs 23:7a) For as he thinketh in his heart, so is he.

The law of attraction also states that you will attract that which you are thinking and/or feeling. By having a scarcity mindset, you are encouraging more scarcity. Conversely, coming from a place of gratitude will ensure that you keep receiving more of what you are grateful for. Spare a few moments every morning (and any given time during the day) to offer thanks to the Lord for all the good things in your life, and you will find yourself rewarded with more good things!

Praise the Lord I am thinking for a great day. Thank the right thoughts and you will also! (enjoy it!)

Encouragement for your day: 7/16/2020 “Be of good cheer”

(John 16:33) These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.

The Lord Jesus said, just before His own horrific death on our behalf. “Be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.”

We face many difficult things in our life time, but the Lord Jesus gives us great encouragement, for He says because He has overcome the world you and I can also overcome the trials and difficulties that we are face with.

Right now we are facing difficult times, but my friend be of good cheer for we will overcome these also. That is a promise of the Lord to all who trust in Him.

As you focus on Jesus He will turn your day of difficulties in to a day of joy. There is great joy in serving Jesus and experience His delivery from the situations we face day by day.

Today you are going to have victory over any obstacles you face! (enjoy it!)

Encouragement for your Day:Think on these things!

(Philippians 4:8) Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report, if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.

It has been said, “Positive thinking will let you do everything better than negative thinking will.”

“Once you replace negative thoughts with positive ones, you’ll start having positive results.”

Certainly this is what we need today. There is so much negative thinking and so much done in the negative way.

Yet God has blessed us and will bless us, if only we will think and act on the good things of life regardless of what others think, say and do.

Might you know the mind of Christ whose thoughts are always for your good and I know He is thinking pure thoughts and planning lovely things for you today! (enjoy it!)

Encouragement for your day:

(Matthew 21:22) And all things, whatsoever ye ask in prayer, believing, ye shall have.

I ran across this the other day and I thought it was quite neat. I want to share it with you and I believe if we practice it in our daily lives it would make for a good day.

"Five-Finger Prayer"

“When you fold your hands, to pray, the thumb is nearest you. So begin by praying for those closest to you--your loved ones.

The index finger is the pointer. Pray for those who teach--Bible teachers and preachers, and those who teach children.

The next finger is the tallest. It reminds you to pray for those in authority over you--national and local leaders, and your supervisor at work.

The fourth finger is usually the weakest. Pray for those who are in trouble or who are suffering.

Then comes your little finger. It reminds you of your smallness in relation to God's greatness. Ask Him to supply your needs.”

We can pray in many different ways, many of the Psalms can be used as prayers or other Scriptures (such as The Lord's Prayer), or use the ACTS method (Adoration, Confession, Thanksgiving, and Supplication).

Whatever method you use, just talk with your Father. He wants to hear what's on your heart. Why not pause and do that now? It will make your day more joyous and productive, (enjoy it!)

Encouragement for your day:“The Lord is good!”

Nahum 1:7 – The Lord is good, a stronghold in the day of trouble; he knows those who take refuge in him.

There is no doubt that we are living in troubled times. All the protesting that is taking place is coming from people that are troubled with their own lives and they are trying to trouble the lives of those that have peace with God through the Lord Jesus.

In the light of all the hatred, the anger, the destruction of property and the loss of lives, this verse stands out as a lighthouse to the ships on a dark and stormy night.

We have the assurance in all the situations, circumstances, and conditions of life the truth that the “The Lord is good!”

When things are going good in our lives it is easy to say, “God is good.” But when things are not going so good it seems to be somewhat different.

But let us remember that God is good even when things are not going the way we think they should, or would like for them to go.

The Lord is good, for He is our stronghold in the times of trouble. This word stronghold has the meaning of a place of safety, a place of protection; it is a safe harbor in the times of the storms.

So when life seems to be closing in around you, and the pressures of life come against you, remember, as a child of God you have a refuge.

As the storms of life billows against you, and the disruptions of the world are against you, remember, as a child of God, the Lord is your refuge.

I don’t know what you may be faced with today, but I do know that “The Lord is good!” And if you will only trust Him you will have a great day! (enjoy it!)

Encouragement for your day:“Be not afraid”

And in all that you do, remember to “Be bold! Be strong! For the Lord your God is with you!” (Joshua 1:9).

Today we hear so many say they are afraid of what is going to happen next,

Can you imagine what Joshua was facing as he went forth into the Promise Land?

The thing that drove Joshua was that God had told him that he would be with him.

I wish to encourage you with the words Jesus spoke and they are to you and me today. “I will never leave you, nor forsake thee,”

If you will always remember this you can always know things will work out for your good.

So don’t be afraid of what is going on in the world today, be bold and be strong as you focus on Jesus as He walks with you, may you be driven by the truth that Jesus is ever with you and will make your day great! (enjoy it!)

Encouragement for your day:Goal Setting

(Ephesians 3:20) Now unto Him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that you ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us.

Another version reads“God is able to do exceeding, abundantly above all you ask or think according to the faith that is working in you.”

Many people think their goals down to where they can attain them, when we should be setting our goals above our ability to attain on our own.

You will have no trouble doing that if you remember that if God promised it in His Word, it is attainable.

The thing we want to make sure of is we set our goals to fall in line with God’s promises.

As you set your goals according to God’s promises you are sure to attain them.

You are the only one that can decide how high of a goal you want to set by deciding how bad you want it.

I encourage you to take a few moments, consider what you would like to happen in your life. Make it impossible to attain on your own. Line it up with one of God’s promises.

Tell God your goal, put it in His hands, go forth in faith, walking and working toward it and you will be surprised how soon it will come about. (enjoy it!)

Encouragement for your day:

(With Jesus the impossible becomes possible.)

(Matthew 14:25) And in the forth watch of the night Jesus went unto them walking on the sea.

This verse comes from the story of the disciples on a ship in the midst of the sea and a storm arose. They feared for their lives.

And Jesus came to them, walking on the water, and when He entered the ship the wind ceased. The storm become calm and they experienced peace.

Someone has said, that to walk on water was suspending the laws of gravity and that is impossible.

Well howdy-duty, Miss. Fruity-totty, isn’t that what Jesus does best??? He does the impossible!

The impossible becomes possible when Jesus comes aboard.

Could it be that many people today are experience torrential storms in their lives because they simply fail to let Jesus come aboard? Jesus can even make the rough waves of your life become calm. And you can sail along in peace, even if He has to go against the grain and make the impossible possible for you.

(Matthew19:26) Jesus speaking to His disciples, about a camel going through the eye of a needle, said, with men this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.

(Luke 1:37) The angle Gabriel told Mary, “For with God nothing is impossible.”

If you want smooth sailing through your life even when the waters are raging, and the waves seems to high to ride, invite Jesus aboard, set your sails toward Jesus, He will make your day! (enjoy it!)

Encouragement for your day:

(Matthew 5:45) That ye may be the children of your Father which is in heaven: for he maketh his sun to rise on the evil and on the good, and sendeth rain on the just and on the unjust.

When it rains it pours.

Wife comes in tells the husband there is water in the carburetor of the lawn tractor. Husband says, “there can’t be water in the carburetor.” Wife, “well I am telling you there is.” Husband, well where is it I go look at it.” Wife, “It is in the pool.”

We all have times in our lives when it seems the sun won’t shine again. When troubles, difficulties just keep pouring in. nothing seems to be going quiet right. And you are over flowed with bills, the kids get sick. The car won’t start, one problem after another.

But wait my friend, when rain drops keep falling on your head and you feel flooded, and sinking to rise no more, remember the Master of the sea. He heard my despairing cry, from the waters He lifted me, now safe am I.

When Jesus is your strength, you can rise above the tide of hardship and flow along in peace with clear sailing.

Come rain or shine, looking to Jesus, I know the Son is gonna shine in your backdoor today. (enjoy it!)

Encouragement for your day:

I was thinking about the difficult times that people are going through today and wondering how many that are suffering lost, even the lost of a loved one. Maybe they have lost their income and are hard pressed to make ends meet.

And the thought of old Job comes to mind and there was this rich man, a godly man, a man that did about all things right, yet he suffered the loss of all that he had.

That is he lost all he had except his faith in God and his hope of a redeemer. And then there is the Apostle Paul that seemed to have everything going for him, yet he said I count it all as dung for the high calling of the Lord Jesus. And he gave it all up to grab hold of the joy of Jesus in his life.

So it is friends I encourage to not fear, don’t get discouraged, we have faith in the same God and we trust in the same Savior and as they saw Job and the Apostle Paul through you can count on them seeing you through. Just believe in God, put you trust in the Lord Jesus and go forth in the power of the Holy Spirit. You can’t but have interesting and joyful day! (enjoy it!)

Encouragement for your day:

(Isaiah 41:10) So do not fear, for I am with you, be not dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.

Flight story: An Air hostess run to a small girl and asked her to put on the seat belt. The girl was not worried about the turbulent weather, she was enjoying the flight while others were worried and had fear. Hostess asked her don't you have fear? She replied why should I worry because the pilot of this plane is my dad.

Life story: So many are perplexed and fearful of all that is taking place in life today. The world today is filled with uncertainty and faced with many difficulties.

But there is one thing that should give you peace and help you enjoy your journey in his life and that is God is on the throne and is aware of what is going on.

In short, fear not for God, our Heavenly Father is in control and He knows what you are in need of.

Be glad and rejoice in His goodness today! (enjoy it!)

Encouragement for your day:

(Philippians 3:14)(The Apostle Paul said) “I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.”

Here we are locked in our own homes, locked away from family friend, and the freedom to come and go where we would like to go and what we would like to do. But I am reminded of the Apostle Paul.

At times the Apostle Paul found himself locked out or locked in. But the best thing he said is that he was locked in to Jesus and whether he was lock out of a city or lock in prison he could I am free in Christ Jesus.

No matter what we are going through in life we are to keep moving forward, even when it feels like sitting down and giving up, we must keep moving forward, for the Lord has promised there are better things and times coming our way.

Though today we may fell locked out of the many things we would like to be doing we must not despair for the best things of life come through persistence.

When you feel drained of the good things of life, let us remember things can turn around in a moment’s time.

Paul said, “This one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, I press on.

So I encourage you today to be persistence, keep moving forward, press on to the good things we have in Christ Jesus. (enjoy it!)

Encouragement for your day:

(Psalm 28:7) The Lord is my strength and my shield; my heart trusted in him, and I am helped: therefore my heart greatly rejoiceth; and with my song will I praise him.

Oh me, oh my, this is one of those mornings that I wake up and don’t really want to start the day. They say that it happens to the best of us though, yet, as the sun begins to shine through the curtains I realize, “this is the day the Lord has made, I should be rejoicing in it,” for I might not get another one.

Then this psalm comes to mind, and I say to myself, “I have trusted the Lord with my heart, my whole being, He is my shield, my strength and He has helped me before and I am sure He will help me today.”

So, I am up and getting ready for that Doctor appointment believing he has good news for me, and I will spend the rest of the day rejoicing in the goodness of the Lord. Praise the Lord!

Say, by the way, what are you facing today? Why don’t you trust the Lord with all your heart and He will help you and you will have a rejoicing day! (enjoy it!)

Encouragement for your day:

(Deuteronomy 31:6) Be strong and of a good courage, fear not, nor be afraid of them: for the LORD thy God, he it is that doth go with thee; he will not fail thee, nor forsake thee.

There is no doubt that we are living in trying times. But if we will keep our love and devotion to God in our hearts and houses, we can depend upon Him to protect, provide and bring us through.

Israel had looked to Egypt for help and they had neglected the Lord. Now Moses is encouraging them to turn away from their evil ways and idolatry, and turn back to the true God and seek His help and honor and truly worship Him.

Friends, we worship the same God, the one and only true God, and His promise to His people then is just as relevant to his people today. Let us remember that the Lord goes before His people as a shepherd goes before his sheep. We have seen this happen many times, let us not forget, iron gates have swung open, large stones have rolled away from the door of the sepulchers.

Whatever you are faced with, whatever you are going through, remember the Lord goes before you. Trust in Him, He will not fail you.

Be strong and of good courage, do not fear, only believe, listen to and follow the Good Shepherd, today He will lead you unto green pastures! (enjoy it!)

Encouragement for your day:

(Acts 5:18-19) And laid their hands on the Apostles, and put them in a common prison. But the angle of the Lord by night opened the prison doors, and brought them forth, and said. Go, stand and speak in the temple to the people all the words of this life.

I believe that God allowed the Apostles to be taken captivity and released by the angles to increase their confidence and to show them that they were always under His constant care

Is it possible that we are made prisoners of our own homes that we might see the deliverance of the Lord God?

Could it be when this is over and we see how the Lord sustained us through it all, that there will be a great revival not only in our nation but around the world. A great turning to the Lord, that we will be more aware of His presents and provisions, that we will honor Him and show great gratitude for His goodness.

On second thought, why don’t we right now turn to the Lord and show our gratitude and join the alleluia choir and praise God for His goodness?

Regardless, whatever has captivated you, whatever you are going through, whatever you are faced with, remember you are under the constant care of the Lord God and He is about to send the angles to open the door of your night and bring you into the glorious day of light in His Son. (enjoy it!)

Encouragement for your day:

(Jeremiah 29:11)For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the LORD, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope”

God’s people were in captivity of Babylon. They never thought they would ever end up in Babylon, nor did they think they would ever get out of Babylon. This led to despair.

And here we are held captive in our own homes. Who would ever have thought this would happen? At this moment we are not sure how long this will last.

But let us not be despair. This verse tells the Babylon captives that God was still thinking of them and this captivity would only be for a spell. Than they would return to their homeland and He had plans for their future.

Today God says to you, “I know the thoughts that I think toward you.” My friend these may be the most important words you will ever hear. The God in Heaven, creator of the universe and maker of man is always thinking of you. He has you on His mind, hasn’t forgotten about you. He knows where you are, knows what you are going through. And He says it will soon pass.

I know it will soon pass, it has to, for God says He has great plans for your future. To know God is ever thinking of you, and He has great plans for your future, should make this a rejoicing day for you! (enjoy it!)

Encouragement for the day:

(James 1:17) Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning.

When hard times come it is easy to blame God for our problems. But we must not blame God for the problems we face day by day Many of the problems that we experience in our lives come from our own desires.

In verses 13-15 James warns us not to blame God for our problems. We know that we shouldn’t blame God because God is good. All that God does is good,

Whatever is good and perfect is from God. Evil comes primarily from man himself when we are tempted to listen to the devil, the deceiver.

So don’t let Satan, that old devil tempt you into believing because you experience some bad things in life that they come from God. You must remember, “Every good and every perfect gift comes for God.” The greatest gift God gave to you is the His Son, the Lord Jesus, to help you through times of crises that come most times uninvited.

Always remember that God loves you and desires that you experience the good and perfect things He sends your way. I believe that something good is coming your way today! (enjoy it!)

Encouragement for your day:

(Isaiah 41:13)For I the LORD thy God will hold thy right hand, saying unto thee, Fear not, I will help thee.

Today there are so many, to many, people living in fear. Worrying what the future holds.

The story goes: Old John was a man that was always worrying about everything. One day Jim met old John in town and he seemed happy as a lark. Jim said, John you are always worrying, why are you so happy today? John said, you see that man going down the street over there, I hired him to do my worrying. Jim asks John how much he was paying him. John said, I am paying him $200 a week. Jim said, John how in the world are you going to pay him $200 a week? Old John said, I don’t know, but that’s his worry.

(Moral of the story; Jesus says, fear not, trust in Me, I’ll take care of your worrying.)

Fear is one of the devil’s oldest tricks to get people all worked up and worry what’s going to happen next. He causes people to distrust in God. Satan loves to get people to trust in themselves, their employer, and the government. When people trust in worldly things, their minds are drawn away from the heavenly.

When a person trusts in the Lord, all things move toward an everlasting state of happiness.

Sure we should give great concern, take precautions and practice those things that make for our well being, but the only way we can do that is by fully trusting in the Lord God.

Remember life is more than food and clothing. Jesus said, “Consider the ravens they neither sow nor reap, they have neither storehouse nor barn, and yet God feeds them. Take a glance of the flowers and listen to the birds and remember the Lord is perfectly able to take care of you. (enjoy it!)

(2 Chronicles 7:14) If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land.

I have noticed many people have posted Bible verses and prayers and that is very good, it shows their concern for the people, but I am also seeing just posting without a real heartfelt concern for really seeking God.

So it is that I would plead for all the people to take this prayer serious and pray it with real repented hearts.

I have to ask the question can we be serious when we see so much selfishness and disuniting among people.

I see people running to and fro hording up all they can, not caring for their neighbor as themselves. Political people drawing attention to themselves, promising to do and give what they know they don’t have the power to perform.

Isn’t it time that we lay aside our graveness and come together seeking the one that has the power to do what He has promised?

God has always promised the people when they humble themselves and see His face and turn from our wicked ways He will hear and heal their land.

Can’t we lay aside the political indifference and unite together for the good of all?

God’s Word says we are to pray for the leaders of country, those in charge. Doesn’t that mean we should pray for the president and all that are in authority instead of belittling them regardless of their political affiliation and ambition?

The real solution to the nation’s the world’s problems; the healing of our land is in heart and hands of Almighty God.

We have seen in the history of time past that when the people of Israel got themselves in deep trouble, they cried out to God and He heard their cry and restored them from their chaotic distress.

We are in a desperate need of relief from this deadly situation that we are in.

Could we be reminded of Daniel, fasten in the lion’s den, the three Hebrew children in the fiery furnace, faced with a real death situation, yet the Lord God spared them.

Could that have been because of Daniel being on his knees three times a day in communion and pray to God?

Could this be an example for America, by faith and assurance in seeking God for harmony and healing of our land?

Encouragement for your day:

(Psalm 28:7) The Lord is my strength and my shield; my heart trusted in him, and I am helped: therefore my heart greatly rejoiceth; and with my song will I praise him.

Oh me, oh my, this is one of those mornings that I wake up and don’t really want to start the day. They say that it happens to the best of us though, yet, as the sun begins to shine through the curtains I realize, “this is the day the Lord has made, I should be rejoicing in it,” for I might not get another one.

Then this psalm comes to mind, and I say to myself, “I have trusted the Lord with my heart, my whole being, He is my shield, my strength and He has helped me before and I am sure He will help me today.”

So, I am up and getting ready for that Doctor appointment believing he has good news for me, and I will spend the rest of the day rejoicing in the goodness of the Lord. Praise the Lord!

Say, by the way, what are you facing today? Why don’t you trust the Lord with all your heart and He will help you and you to will have a rejoicing day! (enjoy it!)

Encouragement for your day:

(Psalm 27:8) When Thou saidest, seek ye My face, my heart said unto Thee, Thy face Lord, will I seek.

Is not the Lord saying in this verse, “Pay attention to Me?”and David saying “with my whole heart Lord, I will pay full attention unto Thee?”

What has your attention at the present time? Does Jesus have your full attention?

“If you don’t pay appropriate attention to what has your attention, it will take more of your attention than it deserves.”

That is what the world does; it grabs your attention by presetting flashy momentary things of life and causes you to miss the most important and enjoyable moments in life that you ought to be paying attention to.

Did you realize whatever captures your attention controls your life? And the thing that grabs the attention of most people today is that thing called the “Cell Phone.”

So many use their cell phones to pay attention to what others are doing that their attention is diverted from what they should be paying attention to.

Whatever you pay attention to has a huge effect on how you see and feel about the world.

As Helen Lemmel says in her hymn, “Turn your eyes upon Jesus, Look full in His wonderful face, And the things of earth will grow strangely dim, in the light of His glory and grace.”

If you will give Jesus your full attention you will have great and wonderful day! *enjoy it!)

Encouragement for your day:

(John 7:38) He that believeth on Me, as the Scripture hath said, out of his belly shall flow rivers of living water.

You may feel secure swimming in your backyard pool, but if you never venture to the beach, you will never know there is a vast ocean out there just waiting for you to dive in and enjoy.

If you stay in the pool and never leap into the ocean you will never know there is God has something greater and better out there for you.

That’s the way it is with many people today. They wade around in the puddles of life not known that God has provided something far better.

So let me encourage you to get out of the johnboat of life, throw away the paddles and set your sails to ride the waves of the high sea with the One that walked on the water!

Jesus is going to open the river gates and flood your day with something g-o-o-d! (enjoy it!)

Encouragement for your day:

(Matthew 10:31) Fear ye not therefore, ye are of more value than many sparrows.

How do you value yourself? What value does God place on you?

Some time ago I read where Ryan Sims, signed a 13 million deal with the Kansas City Chief. And Roy Williams, signed on with the Dallas Cowboys for about 10 million.

Bryant McMinnie was negotiating with the Minnesota Vikings, and they ask him how much he thought he was worth, he said that’s easy, just give me a fair deal. that is an average between Sims and Williams. That would have been 11.5 million

That’s the way we often measure our worth isn’t it? If John is a little better than me and he is worth that much. And if Joe is a little worse than me and he is worth this much, that puts me in the middle of them so I am worth between this much and that much.

But wait a minute, God doesn’t recon that way. Your real worth is determined by Him who created you. And He says you are great value to Him. More than the biggest, shiniest diamond.

In fact God values so much, He was willing to give His Son, Jesus, and Jesus was willing to give His blood for you, that is what you are worth. You have great value to the God of Heaven.

You are of great value to Jesus, He died for you, make your day, go forth and shine for Him! (enjoy it!)

Encouragement for your day:

(Proverbs 17:22) A merry heart doeth good like a medicine, but a broken spirit drieth the bones.

So many are like the lady who said, “I always feel bad when I feel good, cause I know I’m going to feel worse.”

I like to see people when I meet them and especially when they come in the church with a smile on their face.

There are to many that walk around with a look on their faces as if they have been sucking on a dill pickle or eating sour grapes. They need to learned the scripture that says, “The joy of the Lord is my strength.”

Nothing has such a direct tendency to ruin our health and waste our lives as grief, anxiety, fretfulness and bad tempers. These are real killjoys. They will certainly ruin you day, and that is something you do not need. Neither does the Lord want you to be a gloomy old grouch.

One of the fruits of the Spirit is joy. It is said that if you go forth sowing seeds of joy you will come home rejoicing.

Do you want to have a joyous day? Start your day by talking with Jesus, go forth singing a song of gladness, sowing seeds of kindness and joy, and you will experience a delightful and happy day. (enjoy it!)

Encouragement for your day:

(Psalm 100:2­) says, “Serve the Lord with gladness! Come into his presence with singing!”

The Psalmist says to serve the Lord with gladness, he is saying the Lord doesn’t want gloomy followers.

The Apostle Paul tells the people of Philippi to rejoice always. That means to be continually happy. He is saying that our troubles and temporary afflictions should not destroy our joy.

I do not believe that God wants you to live a life of gloom and despair. In fact Jesus was a man of joy. He said, He desires you to experience His joy and that it might remain in you that your joy might be full.

He wants you to experience that joy every day that you live. His desire is that you might receive His joy, that you might experience His joy and that you might express His joy.

If you will receive His admonishment and receive, experience, and express the joy of the Lord you and those around will not fail to have a great and joyful day! (enjoy it!).

Encouragement for your day:

(Proverbs 3:5-6) Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.

Have you ever had one of those weeks where things seem to go wrong? You’re trying to do the right thing, make the right decisions, but it just doesn’t work out the way you thought it would?

You're trying to make the right decisions and live out your Christian life, but the more you try, the more difficult life seems to get..

Wouldn’t it be great if you had a spinning wheel hanging on the wall, and as you got up each morning you could spin it and it would provide the right decisions for you to make for everything to work out the way you would like for it to?

Let me assure you better than a spinning wheel decision hanging on the wall, is our God that is over all.

The pressure of making the right decisions can be so overwhelming, but trusting in the Lord and acting on His Word is truly rewarding.

The bottom line is when we follow God’s way instead of choosing our own, we will be in a position to make meaning decisions that will greatly impact our lives.

Making good decisions begins by deciding to follow and serve the Lord Jesus today! (enjoy it!)

Encouragement for your day:

(Hebrews 13:5) Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have, for He hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee.

I have a number of songs and hymns that I have come to love. One I had never really heard until I come to know Christ Jesus, which become one of my favorites is, “One Day at a Time.”

Another that I love to hear for it speaks to me quite well is, “The God on the Mountain.”

When I become a Christian I learned that every day is not a mountain top day.

I soon realized one spends many days of life in the valley.And it was in the valley of life that I come to really know the God of the mountain.

The Hebrew writer is saying as we live our lives content and trusting in the LORD it doesn’t make any difference where you are, or what you are experiencing in life, for the God of the good times is still the God of the bad times.

As you trust the Lord with your life one day at a time you will experience peace like you have never known for He will never leave you nor forsake you. (enjoy it!)

Encouragement for your day:

(Nehemiah 8:10)………..the joy of the Lord is your strength.

There is no greater joy then to know that your sins are forgiven and you have been accepted into the family of God. That through the salvation granted in Christ Jesus you are a child of God.

You may not be able to have joy in your surroundings, you may not have joy in what you are faced with. But you can always have joy in the Lord for He will give you strength to make it through and over come.

Start your day with the words “the joy of the Lord is my strength”
Believers and followers of Jesus are not promised a painless and sorrow free life, but it does promise joy for the day that can’t be taken away. (enjoy it!)

Encouragement for your day:

(2 Corinthians 12:9) And He said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee, for My strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of God rest upon me.

WOW, I don’t know about you but we started the New Year off with a holdover of sickness, one after another.

This is the first time I can remember that all of our family couldn’t be together at Christmas time.

But I didn’t get all upset about it. We all have problems, well I suppose you have those days when it seems all goes wrong, the hot water heater springs a leak; the basement parsley flooded, the care breaks down, the kids come home from school, one with a fever the other with a stomach ache. Problems, problems, oh how they can pile up.

It doesn’t make for the most joyful day when you hardly get one mess cleaned up until another happens, you solve one problem and another pops up.

But isn’t it great when you have faith you can always find strength in God’s Word to make it through?

As you look unto Jesus may you experience the grace of God which is sufficient to give you strength to overcome any problems you might face and make your day productive and joyful! (enjoy it!)

Encouragement for your day:

(2 Corinthians 5:17) Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature, old things are passed away, behold all things become new,

As we enter into the New Year, 2020, this verse comes to my mind. I know this verse has to do with when one becomes a Christian. When the old person is put away and one becomes a new person in Christ, and begins to experience the love of God and the true joy and peace that comes by being that new person in Christ Jesus.

As you enter into this New Year, as you honor God and follow closely to the Lord Jesus, may the light of life smile on you and brighten each day of your life as you experience the love of God and the peace and joy that comes by being in Christ Jesus’

May your faith grow stronger as the New Year unfolds. Might you face each day with a positive attitude no matter what happens, as God surrounds you with new blessings each day. (enjoy it!)

Encouragement for your day:

(Galatians 4:4-5) But when the fullness of the time was come, God sent forth his Son, made of a woman, made under the law,

To redeem them that were under the law, that we might receive the adoption of sons.

As Christians I wonder if we realize that there are so many people around us that does not know the true meaning of Christmas.

People so busy gift shopping for family and friends that they love, yet do not realize that the birth of Christ is really what Christmas is all about. Christmas is all about the gift from God and the love God has for mankind.

The greatest gift you could give is to share the Christmas story with one who does not know the true meaning of Christmas. That is, God so loved the world that He sent His Son to redeem and give meaning and purpose to life and to prepare a people for eternal life.

If you wish to experience the real joy of Christmas, share the wonderful story of the birth of the Christ child with those that does not know the true meaning of Christmas or those that take Christmas for granted. I am sure it will make your day! (enjoy it!)

Encouragement for your day:

(Matthew 1:21) She will bear a Son; and you shall call his name Jesus, for He will save His people from their sins.

What a wonderful example, Mary, so young, yet so willing to fully yield herself to the will of God for His purpose of doing for you, me and all of mankind what we could not possible do for ourselves.

I am sure if we likewise would yield ourselves completely to God, He would make possible those things that we had laid aside as impossible.

Say, why don’t you be brave and tells the Lord, “Today I am going to completely yield myself to Your will.”

But let me warn you as you do, brace yourself, prepare to see and enjoy that which you thought impossible become possible! (enjoy it!)

Encouragement for your day:

(Exodus 3:14) And God said unto Moses, “I Am, Thus shall thou say unto the children of Israel, I AM hath sent you.”

Have you ever wondered when God chooses to describe Himself He simply says, “I Am.” To me that is an incomplete sentence. But when I hear Him say to Moses, Abraham, or the Israelites, things such as, “I AM your deliverer, or I AM your healer” this makes me think He did that so we could form and finish sentences such as.

When you are weak, I AM your strength.
When you are weary, I AM your rest.
When you are sick, I AM your healer.
When you are lonely, I AM your comforter.
When you are in a dilemma, I AM your deliverer.
Wherever you are, I AM with you.

I believe you could form a sentence telling God your situation or need such as:

Lord I need direction to enjoy the day, and He would say, “Trust Me, I AM your guide.” (enjoy it!)

Encouragement for your day:

(Ephesians 5:20) “And give thanks for everything to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.”

James says. “That every good gift and every perfect gift is from above.” Jeremiah says, “God’s blessing are new every morning.” Therefore we should be admonished by the one who said, “stand every morning to thank and praise the Lord, and likewise at evening.”

God is so good, great is His faithfulness, and His mercy endures. It would be good for us to be faithful in giving thanks to the Lord God for the blessings that flow anew each morning into our lives.

This morning I wish you a very safe and happy Thanksgiving Day with your loved ones! (enjoy it!)

Encouragement for your day:

(Philippians 4:8) Finally, brethren, whatsoever things that are true, whatsoever things that are honest, whatsoever things that just, whatsoever things that are pure, whatsoever things that are lovely, whatsoever things that are of good report, if there is any virtue, and if there are any praise, thank on these things.

We hear so much bad that is going on in the world that many or possible most are caught up in the negative. Always wanting to pass on the latest idly chatter.

Wouldn’t life be so much different, so much better, if when we hear gossip or defamatory remarks if we just walk away from them? Or take the Apostle’s advise and praise the good.

Better yet, if you want to have a joyful fun day? While gather at the coffee counter, or around the water cooler, and the gossip begins to flow, you begin to speak of that which is good, pure, lovely, and true, it’ll make your day! (enjoy it!)

Encouragement for your day:

(Isaiah 1:18) Come now, and let us reason together, saith the LORD: though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool.

Tuesday morning as we awoke and looking out over our backyard, and seeing over two inches of fresh white snow, I was reminded of this beautiful verse of Scripture.

As we read from verse 1 to verse 18 of this chapter we are stricken with the sadness of the sinfulness, the iniquity, the evildoers and the corrupters that had forsaken the Lord, they had provoked the Holy One of Israel unto anger.

After stating the evils of mankind, then in verse 16 &17 the Lord says, “Wash you, make you clean, put away the evil of your doing from before mine eyes, cease to do evil. Learn to do well. Seek judgment, relieve the oppressed, judge the fatherless, plead for the widows.

Then comes this beautiful verse 18. This is the results of the people turning to the Lord God and being obedient unto His Word. And then there is the promise of verse 19, ‘If ye be willing and obedient, ye shall eat of the good of the land.”

This was the call to the nations of Judah and Israel. It is also a call to America, it is farther a call to each of us individually.

Forgiveness comes through the Lord Jesus, as a gift from God that will allow us a new beginning. You may have done some very negative things in your life, but we serve a God that specializes in transforming the negatives to the positives.

You may have given up at some point, you may have guilt from the past and pain in your present, “though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool.” The Lord God that we serve can wash and cleanse you from all unrighteousness, as you trust in Him, He will exercise His power to renew your faith and restore your joy. (enjoy it!)

Encouragement for your day:

(Romans 5:1) Therefore being justified by faith we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.

It is true faith that enables the Christian to live a life of peace.

Faith is not positive thinking; neither is it responding to emotional feelings.

Faith does not only believe that God can do something when we can’t see a way or we have given up. But faith knows that God will do something when we find ourselves in despair.

A faith that brings peace does not doubt, nor does it get discouraged. A faith that brings real peace doesn’t look at impossibilities, but considers the possibilities God brings through the Lord Jesus.

Jesus says, faith the size of a mustard seed can move mountains. Now this is the kind of faith we need.

As you walk by faith in the Lord Jesus you will experience a productive, peaceful day as well as a joyful day. (enjoy it!)

Encouragement for your day:

(James 1:3) Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience.

It seems a little strange doesn’t it when James tells us to be joyful when trials and temptations come.

We often find life’s path is not so easy to walk. In the best of life we face all kinds of trials and temptations. Sickness overcome us, accidents happen to us, we experience disappointments, suffering and even death of loved ones.

What we need is super-natural strength to help us to face and overcome all the trials of life.

That is what the first few verses of James is all about. He tells us there is a way to overcome, to conquer, to be triumph over the ills of life. It doesn’t matter how sever the trials and temptations are you can face them, you are born to be an over-comer.

Now come on James, you are telling me when temptations and trials come I am to count it all joy? You are telling me it is for my benefit? You are trying to get me to believe God is permitting these things to come upon me for a good purpose?

Now come on James how can me suffering trials, temptations, and sickness, faced with joy have purpose?

OK, Mr. James you are saying that these difficult things I face in life will help me to be patient as I wait for the Lord God to work them out for my own good, that I will be a wiser and stronger person, that I will be steadfast and preserving when I face future diseases or difficulties. In so doing I will be a more dynamic witness and help to those around me that are experiencing any sort of crisis in their life.

Yes, that is true, when you are patient, steadfast and endure you will become more like Jesus. WOW, when you think of it that way you can’t help but to face all of life with the joy that overcomes and gives victory to your day (enjoy it!)

Encouragement for your day:

(Colossians 3:17) And whatsoever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by Him.

A large part of your life is going to be filled with the work you do. So for your life to be truly satisfied is to believe what you do is great work. Great work can only be done if you love what you are doing.

Therefore whatsoever you are doing today and whosoever you are doing it for, do it heartily, as if you are doing it to the Lord and not just unto men.

By far some of the best rewards in life are, the opportunity to work hard at work you find worth working for.

If you love what you are doing you will always succeed. Especially if whatsoever you do you do it in the name of the Lord Jesus.

In doing so you will be so blessed that you will have to pause at the end of the day to give thanks to God for a great day! (enjoy it!)

Encourage for your day:

(Mathew 9:2) Jesus says to the paralytic man, “Be of good cheer, Thy sins are forgiven.”

The greatest message of the Gospel is that men, women, boys and girls of all walks of life can have their sins forgiven and have a wonderful, eternal fellowship with the Heavenly Father because Jesus has made it possible by going to the cross shedding His life’s blood to cover, wash away, blot out the sins of mankind.

Jesus can not only heal the sick, still the storm, and cast out demons, but can bring to the human soul the thing that it needs most: forgiveness of sin.

Sin will rob you of your power to do the good that God would have you do.

Sin can cripple you causing you to miss out on the good God has planned for you.

Sin can become a barrier between you and Christ Jesus.

Sin can make you dependent on others.

But be of good cheer, the same Jesus that forgave the sins of the paralytic can and will forgive your sins as yield to the plan of salvation God offers through His Son Jesus.

Nothing can make for a greater, more joyful day than to know your sins are forgiven. (enjoy it!)

Encouragement for your day:

Walking in the light of the Lord!

I read about this little worm called the glowworm. It has a glowing light that gives him just enough light to see a few feet in front of him, just enough for the next step.

And it made me think of the way God guides. As God told the Psalmist David, (Psalm 32:8) “I will instruct thee and teach thee in the way which though shalt go, I will guide thee with mine eye.”

Putting that together with the thought of the glowworm helps me to understand, God doesn’t show me guidance for the next month, and expect to remember and follow it. He just gives me guidance for the day at hand.

He sheds enough light necessary for me to walk moment by moment, and step by step as I keep my eyes on Him.

Even when the walls of life seem to be closing in, and the roof of existence is about to collapse,so it is as I put my trust in the Lord and step in the light He sheds on my path moment by moment as He guides me step by step, knowing that He does all things well, I can go through the day rejoicing.

I know you will have a rejoicing day as you walk in the light of the Lord. (enjoy it!)

Encouragement for your day:

(Proverb 30:5) Every word of God is pure; He is a shield unto them that put their trust in Him.

God knows them that trust in Him.

When you are experiencing trouble, who or where do you turn to?

Have you ever been told when trouble comes we are to, “grin and bear it.” Or “What you can’t cure you must endure.”

Christians and non Christians face troubles, almost daily, we all experience some kind of trouble.

Satan is constantly trying to block us from enjoying the abundant life Jesus offers. Satan is behind all the troubles we are faced with.

So where or to who do you turn to? Do you turn to a friend, a co-worker, or family member?

The only trouble I have turning to one of such is that they usually have more trouble than I do.

But friends, I have found where to turn to with my difficulties, problems and troubles. It isn’t living by mottos. For in the troubles of life, mottos aren't much help. So, I trust in the Lord.

The Psalmist David says, “In Thee, O Lord, do I put my trust: let me never be put to confusion. (Psalm 71:1).

Trusting your troubles to the Lord always makes for a great day! (enjoy it!)

Encouragement for your day:

(1 Corinthians 9:24) Know you not that they that which run in a race run all, but one receiveth the prize? So run, that you may obtain.

There are some that run in the Boston Marathon simply to run a few miles and drop out then put on the shirt that says “I ran in the Boston Marathon.”

Some have as their goal to finish the race even if it is an hour or so behind the winner just to say they finished the race.

And then there are those that are determined to win the race.

Could I ask you, “How is it with you as you run the spiritual race?” Are you running just so you can say that you ran? Are you running in hopes of finishing? Are you really running to win?

The Apostle Paul is saying, run to win, give it all you got!

You run our best when by forgetting your past mistakes and reach out to grasp the future.

Your most fulfilling moment in life will be when you suddenly realize God’s hand is on you as you run to accomplish His purpose in your life.

As you run the race of life, pressing toward the goal God has set before you, I am sure you will become the biggest winner of the day. (enjoy it!)

Encouragement for your Day: (Do good always)

(1 Thessalonians 5:15) See that none render evil for evil unto any man but ever follow that which is good, both among yourselves, and to all men

The Apostle is writing to the Church at Thessalonica, yet I believe it is worthy of our consideration.

When the Apostle says, “See that none render evil for evil among men.”

It sounds a little like to (do unto others as you would have others do unto you.)

That is we are not to return ill words for ill words. Yet we are faced almost everyday with someone that rails some ill action toward us.But we must guard against and be very careful least we practice such.

But ever follow that which is good. To follow that which is good is in accordance with the will of God. It will also add to the glory of God.

We are not only to do good toward those that do good toward us, But Jesus says that we are to do even good toward our enemies.

Not only to them of the household of faith, though we certainly should do good especially to them, but we are to do good to any and all that we come in contact with in our daily activities whatever that might be.

Therefore as you go forth pursuing good toward all that you come in contact with it will certainly make a good day for you! (enjoy it!)

Encouragement for your day: “Can Dry Bones Live?”

While reading the book of Ezekiel I paused and thought awhile on the story of the valley of dry bones. (Ezekiel 37:1-14).

To me the moral of this story is that God can breathe new life into any dead situation and cause it to flourish once again.

I thought of how that we allow many things in our lives to die and dry up, to become un-useful, un-productive, and unprofitable to and in our lives.

So often we see marriages simply dry up and die, health dries up, employment dies out, finances dry up, relationship die, children become rebellious and medical conditions that seem incurable and impossible, there just seems as if all is lost and there is no hope.

“Can these dead bones live?” to me this is a powerful story of how the power of God is able to find all the scattered bones in that valley and bring them back together, think about the ankle bone, leg bone, the knee bone, all out of joint, and scattered over the valley.

But our Mighty God is able to bring each bone even the little finger bones to its rightful place, tendons and flesh comes upon the, skin forms them altogether, then God breathes life into them and they become alive. That’s our God!

The Mighty God that was able to bring these scattered, dry bones of that valley back to life can bring life to any dead or dying situation you might experience in your life.

My prayer and encouragement for you is, I would that you would look to the Lord Jesus, He that gave sight to the blind man, caused the cripple man to walk, dried an issue of blood a woman had suffered for twelve years, set her away complete, and cured the ten lepers, even raised Lazarus from the tomb,

Look for the Lord God to breathe new life to all you experience today! (enjoy it!)

Encouragement for your day:

(Jeremiah 29:11) For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the Lord, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end.

May I ask you a question this morning? What is it you are thinking about just now? Is there something on your mind that has already taken center stage in your thinking this morning?

Is what you are thinking something left over from thoughts of yesterday? Is it something you just can’t keep from thinking about?

Let me encourage you to think about what God thinks about you.

Sometimes I think when God thinks about the things I do it probably makes Him laugh and some things makes Him rejoice, and I think sometimes when He thinks of some of the things I do it makes Him sad or angry.

If God would think about us as we think about ourselves, especially when we think about the bad day we might have. He would think we are not worthy to think about.

But God is not that way, Did you know God just can’t stop thinking about you? He is always thinking about you, and His thoughts are always for your good.

The Psalmist knew God always had him on His mind, for he said, “How precious are Your thoughts to me, O God! How great are the sum of them, they would be more in number than the sand, when I awake, I am still with You.” (Psalm 139:17).

David knew God was always thinking of him. And God has His own special way of thinking of you.

I think when the Lord thinks about you, the only thought that He really has is that He loves you and wants you to think on the good things He has in store for you, to think on the help He will give you today to make sure you will have a peaceful and joyful day! (enjoy it!)

Encouragement for your day:

(Isaiah 1:18) Come now let us reason together, saith the Lord; though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool.

I have seen Maxine take our car to the back yard and under the shade of the old maple tree she hoses it down and washes dirt and grime off of it.

The splattered bugs, the little designs in the dust disappear. She scrubs those wheels and tires until the chrome brightly shines. She cleans the fingerprints from the windows and doors.

When finished she parks it back in the driveway for the sun to shine and dry. I think one of the reasons she parks it back out front is so the neighbors can see and admire her industrious labor. (ha)

As it sets there in the driveway, it is nice to look upon, so clean and sparkling, cleaned of all that mires it.

But it doesn’t stay that way long, a trip out the interstate, up and down a couple of the roads in the Porter area the dust begins to accumulate, hit a mud puddle or two, as we stop to visit here and there the dogs leave their nose prints as they check out this strange vehicle.

When we return home and look at the once clean shiny auto with the road grime and puddle splatters, it is in need of another trip to the shade tree wash rack for a fresh washing again

Did you ever stop to think our lives are somewhat like that? We come to the Lord and He washes away the sin in our lives, and we sparkle with new life. And then we travel through the streets of life and the dust of sin gets on us. Instead of going around the puddles of temptation we go through them. The tar of disobedience sticks to us. We see that even though we once glowed brightly for the Lord, we now are in need of a fresh washing.

As you start your day I encourage you to turn to the Lord seek a cleansing from any sin that might best you and go forth in the strength and power of the Lord, it will bring honor and glory to God and you will experience a Son shiny day! (enjoy it!)

Encouragement for your day:

(2 Corinthians 1:20) For all the promises of God in Him are yea, and in Him Amen, unto the glory of God by us.

The Christian life is totally dependent upon Gods promises, and the Bible is filled with them. The most important thing to remember is not how many promises there are, but the fact that He keeps every single one.

As believers, we are wealthy beyond measure. However, many Christians live like spiritual paupers despite the countless riches God has given them. On the day of your salvation, you inherited all of God’s promises and became truly prosperous. Yet, in order to benefit, you must cash them in.

God’s promises are like a treasure chest. When you realize how much He wants to bless you with, you can’t help but be amazed.

When you invited Christ into your heart, you inherited all of God’s promises for your life. You need only to claim the promises of God to be prosperous. To live without claiming what God has for you is like being a millionaire who has a bankbook but never makes a withdrawal.

Therefore let us not stagger at the promises of God through unbelief, but remember whatever your present frailties, our temptations and our failures are, if you will not set around brooding over your weakness nor look back on your past nor dwell on your failures, but if you will lookup to Christ Jesus and all the it promises of God and cash in on what He has promised you for today it will be a rejoicing day. (enjoy it!))

Encouragement for your day:

(Hebrews 11:37)They were stoned, they were sawn asunder, were tempted, they were slain with the sword: they wandered about in sheepskins and goatskins; being destitute, afflicted, tormented;

Hebrews 11:35-38) Mentions all sorts of terrible trials which faithful believers had to face, being homeless, Without proper clothing and food, mocking, torture, beatings, imprisonment, and various forms of cruel executions.

Today there are many false teachers claiming that it is God’s will that every person is to enjoy prosperity and perfect health. They also teach that sense Jesus has promised to answer the prayer of faith, all that stands between you and material prosperity and fiscal health is your lack of faith.

But the Bible teaches no such thing. It teaches that God is our help in trouble, not that He will exempt us from trouble. God does not allow cancer to strike only those who live a life of sin. No, troubles strike anyone and everyone,. anywhere or time.

The difference is that the believer knows that God is his refuge and strength in the time of difficulties. True believers know that God is bigger than anything Satan and the world can throw at you.

The believer knows there is no problem emotional, physical, or spiritual that is too big for our God. If we will learn to trust in Him for strength and help He will be more than sufficient for any crises that you may run into.

Trust in God for He has greater knowledge than the whole world. Just trust Him with all you are faced with, and see if you walk in victory today. (enjoy it!)

Encouragement for your day:

You are of great value to God!

(Luke 12:6-7) Are not five sparrows sold for two farthings? And not one of them is forgotten before God. But, even the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Fear not; therefore,ye are of more value than many sparrows..

Do you know that you are of value to God?

There are some people that do not realize their value to God.

No Christians should feel they are not of value to God.

I am sure that you have at some time or another felt that you had been taken foe granted by family, friends or co-workers.

But God never takes you for granted, you are of great value to Him.

For God to love you in such a way that He sent His Son to die on that old rugged cross, should tell you that you are of value, so very valuable to Him.

Your value to God is not based on what you are or what you can do but on what He can do with and through you.

Think about it, God went to an awful lot of trouble to show that you are valuable to Him. You could say, “WOW I am something special.”

By entering into that special relationship with God through Jesus you do become special and valuable to God.

Therefore you are entitled to all the protection, and the provision of that kingdom of God.

As you go forth today doing the special things God has for you to do, look for the special things He has for you, because you are special and valuable to the Lord God. (enjoy it!)

Encouragement for your day:

(Romans 12:12) Rejoice in hope, patient in tribulation, continuing instant in prayer.

Isn’t it strange that sometimes you face difficulties not because you’re doing something wrong, but because you’re doing something right.”

So instead of giving yourself a reason why you can’t continue, give yourself a reason why you can.”

Soon, when all is well, you’re going to look back on this period of your life and be so glad that you never gave up.”

As you go through the day, even through life, if you will face the difficulties you encounter trusting in the Lord, He will give you great reason to rejoice.

As you rest patiently in the Lord you are sure to have a great day. (enjoy it!)

Encouragement for your day:

(Galatians 6:9) And let us not be weary in well doing, for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not.

Growing up on the farm I come to understand the principle of sowing, patientions and reaping.

So often we would help Dad and Mom plant the garden and I could hardly wait for that seed to germinate and bring fort the delicious fruit and vegetables.

But after being patient until those little seed had produced and I set down to a table my Mom had prepared from those small seed that had brought forth, their abundance, I realized I was rewarded abundantly for my time and labor.

What wonderful rewards we received and enjoyed from the labor of ploughing, sowing and cultivating until the harvest.

What this scripture is teaching is if you go forth doing good toward those around you, if you will plant words of kindness, if we will endure even when the going is tough you will reap peace and joy which will produce satisfaction and meaning to your life.

As you go forth doing good deeds and sowing seeds of kindness you will harvest a productive and fruitful day! (enjoy it!)

Encouragement for your day:

(Luke 6:31) And as you would that men should do to you, do you to them likewise.

Someone asked an army officer, “Why are you a Christian?” He said, “One day we went out on a march. We slugged through the mud all day long. Our boots were dirty, and our clothes were heavy. When we came into the barracks, we were cross and irritable.” “There was a young man who had already come in, cleaned up, and was kneeling down by his bed saying his prayers. I became so irritated I took one of my muddy boots and hit him in the head with it.” He said, “The young man paused for a moment and then continued praying. But when I awoke the next morning, my boots were beautifully polished and set by my bed by that young man. That’s what brought me to Christ.”

It is not always what you say that melts a cold heart, but as we see in the above little story it is silent actions that causes big men to forsake their pride and become tender hearted Christian.

I would hope that you would not get hit in the head with a muddy boot, but if someone says something that strikes you in the wrong way, say something nice and encouraging to them and it will help their day, and I know it will make your day great. (enjoy it!?

Encouragement for your day:
(Psalm 27:14) Wait on the Lord: be of good courage, and He shall strengthen thine heart: wait, I say, on the Lord.

How often have you felt that the Lord God seems to go in hiding just when you need Him most?

It seems the Psalmist is in great need of God’s help, and even though the Lord has told him to seek Him when he was in need it appears to him that God is not to be found.

Has He deserted the Psalmist? No I don’t think so. I believe there are times when God seems to hide His face only to draw us closer to Him. Bring us to a place when we must trust Him as we have never trusted Him before.

I believe God was teaching David that waiting time is not wasted time.

(Isaiah 28:16b) says, “He that believeth shall not make haste.”

God is never in a hurry, as we often are. God is also never late. He knows what He is doing.

So if things aren’t going the way you would like for them to, or the way you think they should, just be patient, fully trust and wait on the God.
Say with the Psalmist, (Psalm 62:5) “My soul, wait thou only upon God, for my expectation is in Him.” It’ll make your day! (enjoy it!)

Encouragement for your day:

(John 8:36) If the Son shall make you free, ye shall be free indeed.

Today being the 4/th of July we celebrate the birth of our nation, we also celebrate the freedom we have here in America

I am afraid that there are many that take our freedom for granted, when we should be thankful and take seriously the freedom that we enjoy as Americans.

American ‘s freedom comes with a great price, many men, and women have shed their blood, even given their lives so that you and I could enjoy the freedom America offers.

Yet there is a freedom that many take for granted, and even completely reject, and that is the freedom that comes from God through Jesus. This is spiritual freedom, a freedom that most of the world knows nothing about. It is the freedom from the bondage and slavery of sin.

We can live in free America and still not be free from the bondage sin. W e can exist in America and still be in slavery to the things of this world.

It is only through Jesus, the Son of God that we can experience true freedom. If we have accepted Jesus as Savior and Lord of our life, we can enjoy the freedom of America to it’s fullness.

So today as you come to gather with family and friends to celebrate the freedom we have here in America. Let us be reminded of the greatest freedom one can have is the freedom that comes from God through His Son Jesus,

Might God grant you a great and joyful day as we remember the freedom we have. (enjoy it!)

Encouragement for your day:

(Daniel 6:23) Daniel was taken up out of the den, and no matter of hurt was found upon him, because he believed in his God.

Our faith often gets us in the lion’s den., but it is God that gets us out. God is able to deliver us from dangerous situations including those caused by our sins.

I have faced many difficulties in my life, and I have learned that the best way to face my difficult circumstances is to keep my hope alive and my faith in God.

When you are faced with a difficult circumstance, don’t react in a negative manner; learn to keep your hope and faith in God.

Daniel never wavered in his faith in God, knowing that God was, is, in control of all things, therefore Daniel knew his night in the lion’s den was just a time of rest preparing him for victory over the future difficult circumstance he would face in the future.

With never wavering faith in God you can face the difficult circumstances in life knowing God will rescue you and place you in a better position for a greater future! (enjoy it!)

Encouragement for your day:

(Galatians 6:9) And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not.

Do to the above the average rainfall this spring many farmers and gardeners have not been able to plant their crops, therefore they is little prospect of reaping a good harvest.

In the spiritual sense it is Satan that hinders the Christian in sowing good seed. In fact Jesus tells of one who sowed good seed and the evil one came in during the night and sowed bad seed among the good seed.

And Satan that old devil is still up to his dirty work, but do not let that stop you from sowing good seed, (doing good deeds), for the promise of God is you shall reap if you faint not.

So if you want the joy of frustrating Satan and be a blessing to others you just sow good seed (do good deeds) everywhere you go today and I am sure you will reap a wonderful day! (enjoy it!)

Encouragement for your day:

(John 15:11) These things I have spoken unto you, that My joy might remain in you, and that your joy might be full

Life is full challenges and difficulties and it is easy to tell someone to hang in there and keep positive outlook when they are going through tough times, but when it happens to you, keeping your chin up isn’t always the easiest thing to do.

It is then you must make the decision to slump in the dumps or rise above your difficulties and say, “I don’t care how disappointing, how hard it might be I am going to rise above that which would rob me of the joy Jesus has in store for me.”

Jesus had just spoken of the vine and branches, His abiding in them and they in Him. It is as you abide in Jesus you will experience the joy of victory over life’s circumstances.

Abiding in Jesus always makes for a great day! (enjoy it!)

Encouragement for your day:

(Psalm 34:18) The Lord is nigh unto them that are of a broken heart.

Have you ever experienced a time when it seems life is swallowed up with afflictions, your spirit has been crushed, you have a feeling of hopelessness and despair with no one to help you?

Where should you turn when we feel hope is lost, who should you talk to about your sorrow and pain, who would possibly understand how you are feeling and what your heart is going through?

There were times when David felt this way, but David also knew that his God was nigh unto him.

David knew that in life there are many afflictions, yes, even afflictions of the righteous,

David also knew that the Lord was nigh to the broken hearted and He would save him from his trouble and fear, and the Lord would deliver him out of them all.

(1 Peter 5:10) Peter says, “And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast.”

Today I encourage you to remember that, The LORD is nigh unto them that are of a broken heart; and saveth such as be of a contrite spirit. Many are the afflictions of the righteous: but the LORD delivereth him out of them all.

Peter says that suffering and afflictions are only for a season and God has promised to raise you up, put you back together and place your feet on solid ground for good.

Knowing the Lord is ever nigh and ready to help makes for a great day! (enjoy it!)

Encouragement for your day:

(1 Corinthians 2:9) But as it is written, Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him.

A shorter way to say this is to say. “No one has ever imagined what God has prepared for them that love Him!”

I believe as many do, that the Apostle Paul was speaking of spiritual and Heavenly things, I also believe he was referring to the thing we deal with and we experience in our daily lives. In the here and now.

Jesus has told us that He has come that we might have life and have it more abundantly. He has also said, “…and that your joy may be full.”

Again I say that these words have a tone of the future, but they also express the present state and the wonderful freedom we have in Christ Jesus to enjoy that which God has placed on earth, the joy we experience today may come from family, co-worker or of any of the many people we will meet.

But the greatest joy will come because you love God and because Jesus has told what to expect in this life

So as you enter the day, open your mind to the Spirit of God and try to imagine the wonderful things that is going to come your way. (enjoy it!)

Encouragement for your day:

(Psalm 37:7) Rest in the LORD, and wait patiently for him: fret not thyself because of him who prospereth in his way, because of the man who bringet wicked devices to pass.

(Colossians 3:2)Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth.

Regardless of the wickedness and evil that is in the world you should not let it hinder you from enjoying the good things God has in store for those who love the Lord and seek seek Him in their lives.

Meditate on theses verses, what they are saying is don’t concern yourself with all the worldly thing, keep your sights on the Lord and you will have a great day. (enjoy it)

Encouragement for you day:

The Apostle Paul tells us in (Romans 15:4) “For everything that was written in the past was written to teach us, so that through endurance and the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope.”

Hope is a wonderful thing to have. Hope gives comfort when nothing else can. The comfort and assurance found in the Scripture is a divine and Heavenly thing. Of all the good things God has for mankind here on earth, there is nothing in earth to compare with the hope the Scriptures instilled in the heart of man.

When things pertaining to life seem to be going in the opposite to what we think they should, or as we had hope they would, it is hope that that assures us that things will be better, that things will work out alright.

Oh, yes faith plays a tremendous part in what happens in our lives. You see it is faith that produces hope. The writer of the book of Hebrews, (Hebrews 11:1) says, “Faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things of things not seen.

Hope is the desire for something good to come into your life in the future, or you could say that hope is the desire for something good to happen to your life in the future. Hope is the thing in the future that we desire. Hope is the basis or reason for thinking confidently that your desire will certainly be fulfilled!

My faith and hope is based on nothing less then Jesus Christ and His righteousness. Today I have a desire for the Lord to bless me with victory over the issues I am facing at the present, so the I will be able to enjoy that which I hope for to happen the future.
May God cause much of what you are hoping for from Him in the future become a reality for you today. (enjoy it!)

Encouragement for your day: “God is with you”

(Joshua 1:9) Have not I commanded thee? Be strong and of a good courage; be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed: for the LORD thy God is with thee whithersoever thou goest.

Joshua was faced with a tremendous challenge. Joshua now being 80 years of age might have thought at his age he was past facing new and different challenges in his life.

But he was about to find out the old saying “what God brings you to, He will see you through” to be a very true statement.

But it doesn’t make any difference of our age, we are constantly challenged by unexpected times and things in our lives.

How often we find ourselves in various situations, and many times in unexpected situations. We may feel alone and even depressed and we begin to wonder if God really knows what is taking place. At the time we wonder, does God care, is He even paying attention to what I am facing?

In these difficult times of life when we so much need Divine help and guidance, it might seem that the Lord has forsaken us.

But as we read the story of Joshua we see that he took God at His word, Joshua took on courage, trusting in the Word of God, the Lord brought Joshua through to victory.

There are times when even our spouses, parents, or our friends doesn’t realize or understand what we are going through, what we are faced with, or the life changing decisions we have to make.

But one of the most wonderful and comforting things that I have come to know and experience in my life is the assurance of whatever I do, wherever I go, whatever I am faced with, God is there with me.

As you start your day, who knows what you may be faced with? But here is something you can know, ‘Does Jesus care, Oh, yes He cares’ and He says, “I’ll never leave you nor forsake you” as you trust in His word you will have a wonderful day! (enjoy it!)

Encouragement for your day:

(Psalm 119:151) Thou art near, O Lord. and all Thy commandments are truth.

(Proverbs 30:5) says, “Every word of God is pure. He is a shield unto them that put their trust in Him.”

I can hardly believe that we are living in such enlightened age, yet a number of people claim there is no absolute truth, You can believe what you want to and I can believe whatever I want to and that will be Jim dandy. It makes no difference if we agree or don’t agree. You have your truth and I have my truth.

To my understanding, truth stands alone. It doesn’t matter how anyone looks at truth, truth is and always has been and always will be truth. It certainly doesn’t need my interpretation.

(John 14:6) Jesus said of Himself, “I am the way, the truth, and the life.”

The Psalmist says when the Lord comes He will judge the world with truth. David also says, “teach me Thy way, O Lord, I will walk in Thy truth.

Jesus said to the Jews, you sent unto John, and he bare witness to the truth. (John was speaking about Jesus, in fact he pointed to Jesus, and spoke one of the biggest truths, saying, “Behold the Lamb of God which taketh away the sins of the world!”)(John 1:29)

Jesus said ye shall know the truth, and it shall make you free.

The Apostle Paul said, “Rejoice not in iniquity, but rejoice in truth.”

You know the wonderful truth is that the Lord God wants you to to trust in Him and have a great day. (enjoy it!)

Encouragement for your day:

Psalm 112:7 He is not afraid of bad news; his heart is firm, trusting in the Lord.

Bad news does not trouble me as it once did. Years ago I laid hold on Jesus and I am resting in the Father’s love and power.

After preaching through “Easter Week End” I came to understand even a little more of the resurrection power.

By past experience I have come to learn that the Lord knows what is going on in my life and He has promised to be with me regardless what I am faced with. He has lifted me up at times when I have been troubled, when I have face the uncertainty, I have had no doubt but that the Lord would see me through.

I believe the thing that makes life so wonderful is the assurance we have of the power that raised Jesus from the tomb is working in our lives and is able to raise you or me out of any situation we are faced with.

So today I will lift mine eyes unto the hills from whence cometh my help, my help, my help cometh from the LORD, which made heaven and earth. So what have I to fear?

In the worst of times the grace of God is sufficient for me and He will supply all I need to make my day work out for good. Even if all Hell comes unhinged I will rejoice in the goodness of the Lord. I am determined not to let earthly fear dampen my joy in the Lord.

By the way His grace is sufficient for you and as you fix your heart on the Lord and trust in Him even when bad news or fear comes your way, Jesus will lift you above it just so you can have a great day! (enjoy it!)

Encouragement for your day:

(John 11:25 Jesus said, “I am the resurrection and life…”

This weekend Christians all across America we be celebrating the “Death, Burial and Resurrection “of Jesus.

On the cross Jesus died to pay the penalty for the sins of mankind. To pay a debt man could not pay.

But did you ever consider why the burial was so important? The burial was carried out in the fashion it was it was as to prove Jesus was really dead. If the body was given to relatives to bury as was the normal thing to do it would have give opportunity for the enemy to say the disciple hid the body away and concocted the story of the resurrection.

But the body of Jesus was given to two influential men, respectable men, men who were reputable witnesses that could testify that Jesus was truly dead. Thus by Jesus being raised from the dead there could be no question of the resurrection.

The resurrection assures us of the truth of the promise of God that we as believers will one day be resurrected to be with the Lord eternally. It gives us hope to live by while in this life. It gives us the joy of knowing the same power of the resurrection can help us to overcoming the obstacles we must face in our everyday lives.

To know that God so loved you that He allowed His Son to die, be buried, raised from the dead to set you free from the death of sin and give you the joy of life with the promise of one day being resurrected to the eternal home and glory of the Lord should make for a great day, (enjoy it!)

Encouragement for your day

What does Easter mean to you?

Some say we shouldn’t use the word Easter in defining the resurrection of Jesus

But Merriam Webster’s dictionary defines Easter as a feast that commemorates Christ’s resurrection.

However you define the resurrection we know that the resurrection of Jesus changed the world than and it continues to change the lives of people today.

The resurrection demonstrates the wonderful power of God over life.

The resurrection has the power to raise people up from grave situations of life.

The definition of grave is, something taken serious, or one with terminal illness.

Just as we have seen the Lord raise people off their sick bed and bring them back to strength. We have seen dead marriages raised back to the beautiful life marriage is meant to be. We have seen people with grave financial needs being raised from poverty.

We have seen people who seem to have no hope, nor joy in life be raised to new life, as Jesus has said, “I have come that you might have life and that you might it more abundantly. (John 10:10)

However you define Easter, I do hope you experience the reality of the resurrection.

May the resurrection power raise you up and out of any (grave) situation you might be faced with. May it give to you great joy in this life and wonderful hope in eternal life.

Today, as you meditate on the resurrection, may it raise you to the greatest of joy!

Easter the great day that changed the world, May it change your world into a great day! (enjoy it!)

Encouragement for your day:

Be Ye Steadfast Unmovable:

(Colossians 1:23) If ye continue in the faith grounded and settled, and be not moved away from the hope of the gospel, which ye have heard, and which was preached to every creature which is under heaven; whereof I Paul am made a minister;

We are living in such trying times, so much happening that is just unbelievable, certainly there is much going on that we don’t understand.

Because the uprising of sin, the immoral practice, the hatred, and not only the persecution that is taking place in the other countries but also here in America, so many have fallen away from the faith and need to be encouraged to continue in the faith.

The Apostle Paul was writing to the Colossians which were facing much of the same things in life that we are, and he admonishes them to remain in the faith and continue to encourage those who are weak in the faith or have drawn away from the gospel to be steadfast unmovable.

The Apostle knows that we serve a God that is unmovable, even Jesus is said to be the same yesterday, today and forever.

Christians today are to be steadfast, unmovable in the things of God.

Those around us are moved by, our steadfastness and they depend upon us to continue in the path God has laid out for us in Christ Jesus.

We are blessed to have a God and a Savior that cannot be move by the circumstances of this life, but are unmovable by the evils brought about by wicked men.

If you are going to experience the joy of the Lord and be and encouragement to others you must remain true to the Lord Jesus. Be not moved away from the loving and providing hand of God.

Be Ye Steadfast Unmovable, and you are sure to have a great day! (enjoy it!)

Encouragement for your day:

Colossians 3:10 And having put on the new man, (new person) which is renewed in knowledge after the image of Him that created you:

Do you really know who you are in Christ Jesus?

You really need to know who you are in Christ so that you can live your life as God intended and fulfill your destiny.

God's opinion is the one that counts. Accept what God says about you, agree with Him that it is true of you and become the spiritual person you are suppose to be.

Every person needs to learn who they are in Christ and you need to see yourself as God sees you.

Knowing who you are in Christ is the key to a successful Christian life and a life lived with purpose.

In Christ your identity changes. In Christ you are not the person you once were.

Someone said, “In Christ I am not the person I ought to be, but, thank God I am not the person I used to be.”

When you realized your need for the Saviour, you repent, receiving Jesus, were baptized for the remission of your sins, you are raised to the new life in Christ Jesus.

You are a child of the King, so hold your head up, put a little sprint in your step, and go forth in the might and power of the Lord, doing so will make your day great. (enjoy it!)

Encouragement for your day:

(John 15:11) These things have I spoken unto you, that my joy might remain in you, and that your joy might be full.

Jesus is speaking concerning the vine and branches, His abiding in them, and they in him,

If Jesus abides in you and you abide in Jesus you will be fruitful and experience great joy in do so.

Even in the most painful circumstances of life there is always reason to rejoice in Christ Jesus.

This joy is similar to the joy of the bridegroom has over the bride.

Jesus counted it a joy to go to the cross for you. In fact it says, speaking of Jesus, “who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame,” (Hebrews 12:2).

The joy that is implanted in the soul by the Spirit of God and arises from and is increased by the discoveries of the person Jesus, will have the joy of the Lord in this life and it will be full and completely perfected in the world to come.

Today as you look to, Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith might you experience and share among others the joy of the Lord! (enjoy it!)

Encouragement for your day:

(2 Corinthians 4:8-9), “We are troubled on every side, yet not distressed; we are perplexed, but not in despair; Persecuted, but not forsaken; cast down, but not destroyed;”

One of the joys of my life is giving my trouble more trouble than it gives me.

Did you know that you can face your trouble and not be troubled by your trouble? In fact, you can get to the point where you trouble your troubles instead of instead of being troubled with your trouble.

When things are going crazy all around you, you can still have peace within. Having faith in times of trouble can strengthen your spirits and encourage you to share with others of God’s goodness.

(2 Corinthians 1:3-4) says, “ Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God.”

Today, share your faith with someone having troubles and see how fast the Lord removes your troubles. It is sure to make your day. (enjoy it!)

Encouragement for your day: (Changing times)

2 Corinthians 4:16-18) ''Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.''

As I think of the time change coming up this weekend, I am mindful of the changes of recent times that have and are taking place in our country and in our lives.

The change that has taken place in our culture, the demands that has been forced upon the American people, and upon God’s people.

We are experiencing life, which is full of changes. With out doubt, everything about us changes. Time moves on and we are not the same person we were two, four or five years ago. All you have to do is look in the mirror. The truth and fact is that life is a series of changes.

Just take look around you, really there is nothing built to last. Just look in your driveway the automobile isn’t the one you drove just a couple years ago.

Recently we were gone for a few days, on our return and going to the basement I found our hot water heater had sprung a leak and we had to replace it, the new one is only guaranteed ten years.

Sense your first computer or cell phone, how many times have you replaced them?

We are surround with things that have a short life, we are living in an ever-changing world. The way to handle the changes in your life is to focus on things that will last.

Though we live in an ever-changing world and among people that change with time, yet there is one who lives among us that never changes.

God never changes. His love, His compassion, His forgiveness, His care, His guidance, His provisions and protection along with His promises are the same now and forever.

One of the greatest promises God has made to mankind is that He would send His Son, Jesus, to make all this possible. And He did, and Jesus the Son and our Savior is as God the Heavenly Father. The Apostle Paul puts it this way in (Hebrews 13:8) “Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and today, and forever!

Things in this world will continue to change, but you need not fear the changing times as long as you look to Jesus, He will take you through the changing times, from the temporary to the eternal. (enjoy it!)

Encouragement for your day: Victim or victor?

(1 Corinthians 10:13) There hath no temptation taken you but such is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that you are able: but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it.

I have heard it said, “The only way to get rid of temptation is to yield to it.”

It has also been said, “One-half the trouble of this life can be traced to saying ‘yes’ too quickly, and not saying ‘no’ soon enough.”

It doesn’t matter whether you’re young or old, rich or poor, intelligent or illiterate, a young Christian or a mature Christian, it’s not temptation may come, but will come.

Temptations do not come just once in a while, they come every day, and they don’t come just once a day either. They come when we least expect them. The day may be going just great and then all of a sudden, there it is, Satan, that sly old Devil hits you with a luring temptation.

What are you going to do? Are you going to be victim or victor? I have no desire to yield to a temptation that will rob my day of the joy of the Lord. So I must learn to deal with it, I must learn to overcome temptations, and the only way I know to do that is to look to the One who has been tempted in all points that man has, and that is Jesus, He who has faced Satan’s temptations head on and defeated him with the Word of God.

Memories (Matthew 4:1-11) follow the way Jesus defeated the temptations of the devil and you will experience a great day not as a victim but a victor. (enjoy it!)

Encouragement for your day:

(2 Corinthians 4:8-9) We are troubled on every side, yet not distressed, we are perplexed, but not in despair. Persecuted, but not forsaken, cast down, but not destroyed.

Sometimes I find life just seems to become a real mess. Several times in life I have reach moments where I think everything is falling apart, just to find it is just a matter of perception.

Sometimes I have exaggerated the mess I seem to be in, and it provokes a tremendous anxiety and causes me to begin to worry about what can go wrong and that prevents me from seeing what can go right.

Yes, sometimes life can get really hard, but I find that most of my problems aren’t as real as they seem. Especially when I tell them to Jesus. Jesus knows all about my struggles, He knows when I mess up, or make a mess of things. Walking, talking with Jesus always makes my day great!

If you make a mess, don’t get distressed; tell it to Jesus, He will make your day! (enjoy it!)

Encouragement for your day:

Psalm 5:3 “My voice shalt Thou hear in the morning, O Lord; in the morning willI direct my prayer unto Thee, and will look up.”

How do you start your day?With a cup of coffee and the paper? Or with the pure milk of the Word of God and the light of His presence?

David says the way he starts his day is to look up to the Lord and digest a portion of His word.

If you start your day communicating with the Lord Jesus you will be better prepared to communicate with those you come in contact during the day and this will make for a more rewarding day. (enjoy it!)

Encouragement for you day:

(Hebrews 12:1b-2a). “Let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us, Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith..

We hear people talking about living in the sweet by and by.

But folks we live in the nasty here and now.

A world plagued with sin. Where discouragement never ends.

Discouraging words seem to be everywhere. They come from all angles of the news, your co-workers, even from your own family and friends. And true there may be days when you want to just throw in the towel.

But you must realize even though life has its ups and downs, these ups and downs help you to appreciate the good times of life. If you will let them, the down times will teach you to overcome the hard times.

So stop beating yourself up, stop cutting yourself short, quit focusing on your weaknesses, or your shortcomings.

Life is short at it’s longest, so don’t let the pressures of life get you down when we have a Lord that will pick you up and put real joy and purpose in your life.

Focus on walking with Jesus, talking with Jesus makes a joyful day. (enjoy it!)

Encouragement for your day:

(Matthew 5:6)“Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled.”

When you are hungry, your body is telling you something: It’s been too long since your last meal and you need to eat. Hunger indicates the absence of food in the body. It is the body’s awareness of its own need.

Jesus tells us that the ones who are blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, in other words, the blessed ones are not those who think they have righteousness, but those who feel they lack righteousness.

If you are healthy it is a good sign that you are well. But if you lose your appetite it is a good sign that something is wrong.

When we apply that same thought to your spirituality and you have a great desire to grow in Christ, that says that you are spiritually healthy.

Jesus says the blessing belongs to those who are not content to remain as they are, but have a strong desire to grow in righteousness.

A healthy appetite is a good sign that a person is well. But if a person loses his appetite, it is usually a sign that something is wrong.

I do hope that you have a healthy spiritual appetite and you hunger and thirst for the right things, therefore your day will be filled with rich blessings. (enjoy it!)

Encouragement for your day:

Genesis chapter 5 is kind of a dull chapter, yet it has 5 very exciting verses, they tell us of a man by the name Enoch. And it says that Enoch walked with God.

I don’t know about you, but I find it most exciting to know that it is possible and a wonderful privileged to walk with God.

Not too many discover the joy of walking with God. To feel His presents, and the warmth of His love surrounding you, to have Him take you by the hand and guide you, to have Him strengthen you when you are face with the difficult daily decision and unexpected crisis.

Not walking with God is like being out of tune with life. Following the footsteps of Jesus brings us in tune to walk with God. Jesus is your source of harmony that makes it possible to walk with God.

I do hope that you will experience the presence, the peace, and the power of God as you walk with Him today! (enjoy it!)

Encouragement for your day

(Colossians 3:23) And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as unto the Lord, and not unto men.

(I believe this word “heartily” has the meaning of “take no shortcuts”)

Dave Thomas started a restaurant that made hamburgers square to show that they never cut corners.

We live in a world of shortcuts. We all like to take shortcuts, don’t we? When you walk in most fast food places you don’t ask for a quarter-pounder with cheese, fries and a large drink do you? You take the shortcut and simply say, “I will have a number 5” don’t you?

Shortcuts can be helpful, and they can be harmful or detrimental to the wellbeing of life.

I read where a bridge fell, and when investigating it was found that the contractor had taken several shortcuts, this resulted in a number of injuries and several lives.

How sad it is when we see so many people trying to get ahead in life by cutting corners.

But even sadder it is to see people trying to cut corners in their spiritual life.

No one will ever achieve righteousness and salvation by cutting corners.

We know there are no shortcuts on the journey of faith. Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to the family of believers.

Today you may be faced with going the second mile, please don’t take a shortcut.

Whatever you do, do it heartily, as unto the Lord. It will make your day (enjoy it!)

Encouragement for your day:

GOD HEARS AND PROVIDES FOR THE FAITHFUL.

(Matthew 6:31) Therefore take no thoughts, saying, what shall we eat? Or what shall we drink? Or, Wherewith shall we be clothed?

There are so many problems in the world today, it is hard to determine what to worry about.

Yet the farmer sows in the fall so that he can reap a harvest in the spring, but he doesn’t lose sleep through the winter nights worrying about spring harvest.

Your worry isn’t going to help a thing. Remember Jesus said, “the birds, they don’t plant and harvest crops, yet God feeds them, and you are more important to Him than they.”

If there is anything to worry about it should be your relationship with God. If your relationship with God is through your acceptance of His Son Jesus you have nothing to worry about.

So why not be as the birds, go through the day singing and praising God and watch how wonderfully your day will go. (enjoy it.)

Encouragement for your day:

(1 Corinthians) But as it is written, Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him.

As you have now entered into a New Year, doesn’t it excite you as you contemplate on what the New Year holds for you, what the future has in store for you, of the things God has prepared for you?

The best things in the world are those things the Lord God has prepared for you.

(James 1:17) says, “Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning.”

All the good things of our lives are from His generous hand of love. He is not fickle and changeable. If you falter or fail along the way, He will pick you up and strengthen. When you sin, seek the Lord He will forgive.

In this New Year, the Lord God is determined to see that you experience things you have not imagined.

I encourage you to seek the Lord in your life as you never have before, trusting Him to work all things together for good.

The future belongs to those who believe in and commit themselves to the Lord God who has committed to see you experience not only a good day but a wonderful year also! (enjoy it.)

Encouragement for your day:

(Colossians 3:2)Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth.

As we stand here in the beginning of a New Year it is a good time to reflect on the year that is ending and look forward into the year that is soon to begin. It is also a good time for God’s people to take inventory of their walk with the Lord. We should take a very close look at where we are in our relationship with Him. We need to examine ourselves and see where we have been, where we are and where the Lord wants us to be.

We should guard against the things of the world that seem to drag us down and tempt us to sin. We should give ourselves over to the things that pull us upward.

We should set our affections on things that are above, we should love the heavenly things, study them, and let our hearts be entirely engrossed by them.

We should examine our lives and earnestly sort out the things that are not pleasing to God, and concentrate on the things that are pleasing to Him.

It will make for a happier New Year during 2019.

You now, I don’t know why we can’t get a head start by beginning today.

So as you go forth today think on those things in your life that are pleasing to the Lord and I am sure you will have a great day. (enjoy it!)

Philippians p 4:19 But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus.

Do you have needs today you fear God may not meet? God has promised to meet all your needs. And He will supply all your needs but not all your greed. That does not mean you can be wasteful. You may need to be a better steward of what you have. He will supply more than enough for you to live on, and some left over to share with others.

God knows what you are lacking, He knows what you are going through whether it be physical, financially or emotionally, God really cares about you and wants to meet your needs.

I challenge you to humbly submit yourself before the Lord, rest upon His promise and enjoy your needs being fulfilled and more, by completely trusting in the Lord God.

And don’t forget to share with someone that which is above your needs, it will make for a great day! (enjoy it!)

Encouragement for your day: “Choices”

(Joshua 24:15) And if it seem evil unto you to serve the LORD, choose you this day whom ye will serve; whether the gods which your fathers served that were on the other side of the flood, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land ye dwell: but as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD.

Joshua says, “Choose you this day whom ye will serve.” Life is so full of choices, Joshua sets forth one of the wonderful things God has given, that is the right or freedom for you to make choices. And the greatest choice one can make is to choose to serve the Lord.

The trouble is that most of our choices are made out of the routine of everyday life.

Therefore choices are made out of habit, worse than that we don’t see our behavior as a choice anymore. Thus our life is lived out of habit, responding as if we are programmed, running on autopilot. Doing same old routine day in and day out.

If you struggle with wrong choices, if your choices upset you, if your choices often cause you problems, the good news is if you choose to seek and serve the Lord, He will help you make the right choices.

We need to wake up to the fact that we do have choices, and we have freedom to choose.

If you have been traveling down, the pathway of discouragement, or a rocky road of despair’ possibly the trail of disappointment, you need to make a right turn and choose to travel the highway of gladness and stay in the lane joy!

O Lord my God, I thank You for the freedom of choice, and I choose this day, and all the days of my life to follow You. I will depend on Thy Holy Spirit guide me down the expressway of opportunities and the freeway of possibilities that You have at every mile marker of life. (choose to enjoy it)

Encouragement for your day: (John 5:14) “You are light”

It is December and we have crossed the threshold of the Christmas season. The Christmas season should be the most joyful time of the year. It is the celebration of the birth of the Christ child that was born to bring light into a darkened world.

In fact Jesus said, (John 8:12) “I am the light of the world; he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life.”

Today there are so many people that live on the dark side of life, they are constantly grumbling and complaining that they brighten up a room just by leaving it.

But Jesus said to His followers, (John 5:14) “Ye are the light of the world..”

(Matthew 5:16) Jesus says, “Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in Heaven.”

You shine the light of the Lord as you do good deeds to those around you and truly your good works will bring glory to our Father which is in Heaven.

As you let your light shine it will not only make the day better for those you come in contact with, but it will also make your day more joyful and productive, and it will also be pleasing to the Lord! (enjoy it!)

Encouragement for your day: “Always give thanks”

(Ephesians 5:20) Giving thanks always for all things unto God and the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.

At Church we have just gone through the Month of November with the theme of “thanksgiving” I realize it is not always easy to give thanks for all things.

Yet if we really love the Lord God we should remember that God works all things together for good to those that love Him and are call according to His purpose.

Therefore thank God for all things and watch Him work those difficult things out to bring about something good in your life.

People that are grateful for all things at all times seem to enjoy the most happy, healthy and productive lives.

As you go forth today give thanks for whatever comes your way, and it will make for a better day. (enjoy it!)

Encouragement for your day:

(John 15:12) Jesus said, “This is My commandment that ye love one another as I have love you.”

You may have heard the old saying, “Honey attracts more flies than vinegar.”

We are now living in a hostile environment. But as Christians we should not try to make a big deal out of debatable practices and life styles. It is better to help bring peace and strength then to insist on our own way.

We should lighten up when it comes to dealing with people that are different than us, especially in the body of Christ. We should adopt the same attitude as Jesus in letting go of the things we see in others that really doesn’t matter in the long run. We should work for things that will bring about peace and the building up of ourselves as well as others in Christ Jesus.

So as you go forth today, spread a little honey, it will make for a great day! (enjoy it!!)

Encouragement for your day:

(1 Samuel 16:1) Fill your horn with oil and go!

We all suffer many things in life. A broken relationship, the loose of a job, sickness and various other setbacks, but we are not to meditate on them trying to figure out why it happened.

We often dwell on, “Why did this happen to me?”, “Why did they hurt me?”, or “Why did I do that?”

We all suffer with grief, and pain to some extent at various times in life, but we are not to focus on it, meditate and wallow in it, rehearsing it over and over.

There is blessing in moving forward to the future things of God.

In (1 Samuel 16:1) God had rejected Saul as King over Israel and Samuel was setting around grieving and God told him to fill his horn with oil and go he had something better for him to do.

To fill your horn with oil has the meaning to stop wallowing in self-pity and be on your way for God has something new in mind for you.

There is no sense of spending precious time mourning for the past. God does not want you to clutter up your mind and life with brokenness when He has some new and exciting plans with purposes in store for you.

God says, “Fill your horn with oil and be on your way and enjoy the day!”

Encouragement for you day:

“Don’t faint, don’t lose heart”

(2 Corinthians 4:16) says, “For which cause we faint not; but though our outward man perish, yet the inward man is renewed day by day.”

This “faint not” has the meaning of “not lose heart.” The Bible teaches us that when we face problems to not lose heart. So often people let little things cause them to lose heart, lie down and give up.

Let me ask you, Had any setbacks lately? Been rejected by someone you care about? Are you feeling drained from the ups and downs you have gone through in the journey called life?

You will have ups and downs in life you know. They have been described as valley and mountain top experiences.

Your valleys, your downs can be turned around, you can experience ups and mountain top joy. These things can be turned around very quickly if you do not give up, but look to Jesus.

Notice the last part of this verse says, “The inward person is renewed day by day.”

This comes by looking to Jesus, Jesus is in the business of changing your downs into ups.

Jesus can get you out of the valley and up on the joyous mountain top.

Might your day be a mountain top experience with Jesus! (enjoy it)

Encouragement for your day: “Rejoice in the Lord”

(Philippians 4:4) Rejoice in the Lord always; and again I say, rejoice.

Christian are suppose to have joy, God tells us we are to have joy. But how can we have joy when it seems there is so little n the world today to rejoice in our about?

What is real joy? I believe real joy could be defined as, “a peace filled confidence about life because of the character, acts, and promises of God.”

As we look into the scriptures we find story after story of how God has brought people through difficult times. But we also see the true character of God, it was plainly shown to us through Jesus. God is love, He is kind, He is just, He is holy, He is all wise, He is all powerful and much more. When we know the true character of God we have great reason to rejoice.

I think about the times when He has restored my soul, when He has provided wisdom and direction, when he has shown a path through a difficult situation, when He has protected and provided in ways that were beyond the bare necessities. As we meditate on the acts of God, we are encouraged and have reason to rejoice in Him.

All that God has done in the past assures us that He is interested in you and that’s good reason to rejoice.

So when life seems to drag you down and you fell discouraged because of the circumstances you are faced with, rejoice, for when we trust in God and His promises we can find joy even in the most difficult times. The loving character of God assures us of this. Rejoice in the Lord always and you are sure to have a great day! (enjoy it!!)

Encouragement for your day:

(2 Corinthians 5:7) “We walk by faith and not by sight.”

Folks, it’s relatively easy to “say” we believe but to demonstrate our faith, is sometimes a different story.

THE apostle Paul admonishes us to walk in the steps of faith which our father Abraham had.

Abraham’s faith was made up of two qualities:
1. He accepted God’s word without hesitation or doubt..
2. He was motivated to obey God regardless of sorrow or hardships involved.

I do hope your faith is strong enough for you to accept the word of God without hesitation or doubt and that you will be motivated to act on God’s word regardless what you might be faced with today knowing that strong healthy faith produces happiness, happiness fills the heart and life full of joy.

Might this be one of your more joyful days as you walk in faith and obedience in the Lord. (enjoy it!)

Encouragement for your day:

(Matthew 22:37 & 38)) Jesus said, "Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind", is the first and great commandment.

We demonstrate our love for God through keeping His commandments.

If we love God with all our heart, mind and soul as commanded in the first and great commandment, we will demonstrate our Love by obeying His commandments and live a life of faith in Jesus.

If we use His commands to guide our life I know we will have a great day. Remember, better yet write down all the commands of the Lord God that you do today and see what a wonderful day the Lord will grant you. (enjoy it!)

Encouragement for your day:

Galatians 6:9 says, "Let us not grow weary in well-doing, for in due season we shall reap, if we do not lose heart."

If you ask what the well-doing is that we must not tire of, probably the fruit of the Spirit in Galatians 5:22 is the best answer: don't grow weary of being patient and kind and good and faithful and gentle and self-controlled. Don't grow weary of manifesting your peace and joy in all kinds of acts of love and goodness to your family and neighbors and associates.

Acts 10:38 tells us that Jesus went about doing good, and we are told to follow the example set before us by our Lord and Savior Jesus.

If you desire to have a pleasant day just look for the opportunity to do good to those you come in contact with today. I am sure you won't have to look very far to find someone to support in some way or another. This will not only make their day, it will make your day a pleasant one also. (enjoy it!)

Encouragement for your day:

(Proverbs 16:3) Commit your works to the LORD And your plans will be established.

This “word commit has the meaning to transfer your burden to the Lord, cast upon Him all that thou has to do.”

(Psalm 37:5) says, “Commit your way to the LORD, Trust also in Him, and He will do it.” do all as in His sight, and as an act of duty to Him.”

When you have by faith and prayer committed yourself and whatever it is you have to do to the Lord, you can have peace of mind that God will cause all things to work together for your good,

Committing to God the things you have to do is like you as a child showing your desires and intentions to your parent and trusting them to His care.

Commit everything you do to the Lord, trust Him, and He will help you!

Do this at the start of the day and you will have a blessed day! (enjoy it.)

Encouragement for your day:

(Proverbs 3:5-6) Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct thy paths.

In the past few weeks I have experienced along with several around me so much pain and hurt that I am tempted to think that God does not care what I go through.

At times in life we experience problems that seem to get the better of us and which there is no ready answer to.

But I am assured that God really does care about the problems, the sorrow, and the pain I face in life. The Bible tells me that no matter the situation I am faced with He has the solution.

One reason I get the feeling at times that God doesn't care is because I keep looking to God to help me with my problems in the natural, when I should remember that God works in mysterious ways.

(Isaiah 55:8-9) For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the LORD.

For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts.

(1 Peter 5:7) speaking of the Lord says, “Casting all your cares upon Him, for He careth for you.”

When I meditate on these words, I realize God really does care about every aspect of my life and it certainly changes the atmosphere of my day! Therefore when I am faced with a problem I simply trust God to handle any and all situations I face. Makes for a great day for me.

If you ever doubt God's care for you, meditate on these words, trust God with your situation, it will make for a great day.(enjoy it!)

Encouragement for your day:

(Philippians 4:13) The Apostle Paul said, “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.”

I really think many people believe just because they have a smidget of faith that Jesus is going to give them supper natural power. They think it is like going to the Doctor and getting a B12 shot, their little faith is going to energetically give them super natural power.

I hate to bust bubbles, but folks it just doesn’t work that way.

The strength the Apostle is speaking of is an inner power that sustained him even while going through some of life's most critical physical circumstances.

Many present day Christians have neither Paul’s confidence, nor the strength of which he spoke. Perhaps it is because we do not know “how” Christ provides the necessary strength for us.

I believe there are three ways that we are strengthened by Christ.

1. One is we are strengthened by the Gospel of Jesus.

Paul tells us the Gospel is the power of God to save us, and we must continue in the Gospel to be strengthen by it. (see Romans 1:16).

2. Second is prayer:

It is through prayer that Christians receive wisdom from the Heavenly Father. When we receive we gain strength to overcome trials and temptations.

3. Third is Worshiping and Fellowship with other Christians. (Hebrews 10:24-25)

Our fellowship with other Christians of like faith provides us the benefit of bearing one another’s burdens.

We gain strength by being with one another as we attend Church services together and as we attend and serve with each other in other capacities of God’s wonderful Kingdom.

By studying the teaching of Jesus and applying it to our lives, by taking time to speak and listen to our Heavenly Father, and by fellowshipping in worship and being with one another, encouraging each other we are strengthen and can survive whatever Satan attacks you with.

Looking to Jesus with this perspective will strengthen you to “do all things through Christ.”

Think about it, this is sure to make any day great, (enjoy you day!)

Encouragement for your day: (Exodus 14:13) “Stand Still”

I don’t know about you, but here lately I have experienced several of what I call “Red Sea Moments.”

That means, “you are up against it and no place to go.”

If you remember Moses was leading the Israelite out of the slavery of Egypt and toward the Promised Land. They were camped out by the Red Sea and the Egyptians were closing in on them.

They were hemmed in on all sides, Mountains beside, Pharaoh and his Egyptian army behind them and the Red Sea before them. Fear begins to come over them. They began to fear being overtaken by their enemy, and notice in (Exodus 14:13) what Moses told them what to do.

(Exodus 14:13) And Moses said unto the people, Fear ye not, stand still, and see the salvation of the LORD, which he will shew to you today: for the Egyptians whom ye have seen today, ye shall see them again no more forever.

To their amazement God made a path right through the Red Sea and the Israelites passed on dry ground to safety and was troubled no more with the Egyptians.

I have come to learn that when it seems I am hemmed in and no way out, (That’s a Red Sea moment), when I am faced with a sea of trouble, a river of temptation, or a lake of frustration, if I will just stand still for a little while, and watch what God’s going to do, God will make a path for me and my pursuers are left behind.

Sometimes we forget just how big our God is. Sometimes I can’t see how He is going to provide, then I begin to realize, when I am insufficient when I am inadequate, He is sufficient, He is adequate. As I trust in Him He will always come through for me.

I borrow the words of the Apostle Paul and say, “His grace is sufficient for me,” this day and all that it has in store for me so I am going to go forth and enjoy it!

I hope you don’t experience a “Red Sea Moment” today, but if you do, just stand still a little while and watch what God will do. (enjoy it!)

Encouragement for your day: Jesus is in the happiness business

Jesus is in the happiness business. Your happiness is his concern.

I read of a preacher who was riding on a train. He saw a well-dressed man and magnificently dressed woman with expensive jewelry. The woman was complaining about everything—the train ride, the weather, the news, the food, the service.

The preacher decided to engage this couple in a conversation. He asked the man what kind of business he was in and the man told him. Then he asked, “And what does your wife do?”

The man replied, “Oh, she’s in the manufacturing business. She manufactures her own unhappiness.”

In the very first recorder sermon Jesus gave, which known as “The Sermon on the Mount” Jesus used the word blessed which really means “happy.”

(Matthew 5:1-11.) “And seeing the multitudes, he went up into a mountain and when he was seated, his disciples came unto him and he opened his mouth and taught them saying, ‘Happy are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Happy are they who mourn, for they shall be comforted. Happy are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth. Happy are they who do hunger and thirst after righteousness, for they shall be filled.

Jesus begins the Sermon on The Mount with the constant ringing theme of happiness.

I am sure you are included in at least one of the four mentioned. As you think on which one why not determine to manufacture a whole day of happiness for you and anyone that might be around you.

This will make for a grand day! (enjoy it!)

Encouragement for your day. “Recognize your Limitations”

Recognize the limitations of our abilities no matter large or small we are to do what we can.

(2 Corinthians 8:12)” For if there be first a willing mind, it is accepted according to that a man hath, and not according to that he hath not.”

(In John 11:2) Tells us Mary the sister of Lazarus had taken a very expensive ointment and anointed Jesus’ feet and wiped them with her hair.

One of the disciples questioned her action but Jesus praised her for it. In so many words Jesus was saying, “Leave her alone she has done what she could.”

That is all Jesus ask of you or me, “Just to do what we can do.” Some times we think because we aren’t doing something big or a lot of something we are not doing much of anything.

How do you know that you have done what you could? How do you do what you can?

Recognize your limitations and use your abilities no matter how large or small.

There is nothing too small that we can’t use for God’s glory.

God will not judge you according to what you have or what you don’t have, nor will he judge you on what you can do or not do.

God will judge you on if have done what you can do with what you have.

You know it is the little things people do that are most often more important especially if you have done what you can do in any given situation.

I don’t know what you might face today (only the Lord knows), but I do know if you face it doing what you can do, it will be a great day for you. (Enjoy it!)

Encouragement for your day: "Looking to Jesus can make your day" 8/9/2018

(Hebrews 7:25) “Wherefore He is able also to save them to the uttermost that come unto God by Him, seeing He ever liveth to make intercession for them.”

In life, more often than we would like, a difficult time arises, a struggle strikes us out of nowhere, and it is times like this we feel so alone. We need to remind ourselves that we have One who can save us even to the uttermost. this One is Jesus.

Jesus lived and died to save us, to give light and life to us during our earthly mission and to bring us to the Father's house when this life is over. Jesus is now in Heaven interceding for us daily helping us through the trials and tribulations we are confronted with.

Jesus is watching over you and me, He is praying to the Father, that is what making intercession means. Isn't it encouraging to know, Jesus, The Savior. The Shepherd. The King. The Prince. He is praying for you!

Just to know that the One who died for me ever liveth to make intercession for me is enough brighten my day and strengthen me in it. I do hope as you think of this, might you be encouraged and strengthened to face the day with peace and joy. (Enjoy your day looking to Jesus)

Encouragement for your day: “Living above the humdrum.”

(Luke 1:37) For with God nothing shall be impossible.
In Christ we are meant to live our lives, beyond the humdrum of the world. We are to press on beyond those things that hold us back from the exciting things that God has in store for those with faith of a mustard seed.

I am convinced we too often aim to low and we are satisfied with good enough. May I ask you, when have you aimed for the impossible? God has given us life and all of its adventures, but it is the impossible that stops us. Is it the fear of failure, maybe it is the fear of success that keeps you from climbing above the humdrum of the world?

Because of Jesus, ordinary men and women like you and me with an extraordinary amount of faith can accomplish what seems to us to be impossible.

If you will exercise a true, but small faith to live above the humdrum of the world, even if it is expecting the Lord God to do the impossible you will be amazed what the day will hold for you! (enjoy it.)

Encouragement for your day:

(Psalm 5:3) My voice shalt Thou hear in the morning, O Lord; in the morning will I direct my prayer unto Thee, and will look up.”

Early in the morning is the best time go to the Lord God in prayer, (It's not the only time though) but in the morning you are fresh and your mind is clear and receptive. The cares of the day hasn't begin to draw your attention nor crowd in on you.

David knew early in the morning was the best time to look toward Heaven and pray to the Heavenly Father. David was a great man of prayer, he turned and looked up toward Heaven and consulted the Father throughout the day, but he realized early in the morning was the best time to seek the Lord for a great day.

So while it is still early in the morning why don't you look up to the Heavenly Father and express to Him the kind of a day you would like to experience, and what you would like to accomplish.

I am sure that you know that the Lord said, “Ask and you shall receive. In fact Jesus said, in (Matthew 21:22) And all things, whatsoever ye shall ask in prayer, believing, ye shall receive.(John 14:13-14) And whatsoever ye shall ask in my name, that will I do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son. If ye shall ask anything in my name, I will do it. (John 15:7) If ye abide in me, and my words abide in in you, ye shall ask what ye will, and it shall be done unto you.”

David knew that the Lord God could make all things come together for him to have a great day so he consulted Him early in the morning.

Do you want to experience a “David day”? Just as the Lord God for it and then, (enjoy it!).

Encouragement for your day:

(Romans 8:18) “For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us.”

It is the desire of God that Christians have a rock solid faith. But often our faith is tried. Temptations are ever before us, we often experience sufferings, pain both physical and spiritual is often our lot.

Someone has said, “Every day can't be a day of sun-shine, for in every life there comes some rain.”

It is when our faith is tested our trust in God grows stronger. It has been said, “A faith that can't be tested can't be trusted.”

As Christians we should look at the times of trial and afflictions as growing pains in our life with Christ Jesus that strengthens our faith and trust in God.

I like this little poem, I don't know who wrote it, but to me it makes a lot of sense.

“I walked a mile with pleasure, she chatted all the way.
But left me none the wiser, for all she had to say.
I walked a mile with sorrow and not a word said she.
But oh the things I learned from her, when sorrow walked with me.”

I don't know what you might face today, If it be trials and temptations, might it strength your faith to a greater trust in God to make your day a day of victory. (enjoy it!)

Encouragement for your day:

(Joshua 6:14) And the second day they compassed the city once, and returned in to the camp, so they did six days. And it came to pass on the seventh day, that they rose early about the dawning of the day they compassed the city seven times.

We read of Joshua and the Israelite's had a massive problem, a massive wall they couldn't break through nor get over.

But God told them to march around it one step at a time and trust Him for the victory. As they continued to step in obedience to God's word the massive wall fell allowing them to enter their Promise Land.

God has promised you good things for the day, there may not be a massive wall standing in your way, but I know from experience Satan will try to block you from having a good day, but I assure you as you face the day one step at a time, trusting in the Lord God, He will go before you breaking through any road block Satan might place in your way and give you victory throughout the day! (enjoy it)

Encouragement for your day: 7/5/18

(Proverbs 8:34) (God says) “Blessed is the man, (or person) who listens to Me, watching daily at my doors, waiting at my doorway.”

God has promised to bless your (our) life if we study His Word and do His will.

David said, (Psalm 1:1-3) “Blessed is the man, (person) whose delight is in the law of the Lord, and on his word he meditates day and night. He is like a tree planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither. Whatever he does shall prosper.”

The Hebrew word esher is translated, blessed, which gives the idea of happiness along with contentment in the life of the man or woman that is right with God. Therefore that person will be a blessed and happy person.

I am confident as you go through the day meditating on the Word of God, you will experience the loving hand of the Lord guiding you through a peaceful and productive day. (enjoy it!)

Encouragement for your day: "Jesus is in the transformation business:"

(Roman 12:2) The Apostle Paul says,"Be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is good, and acceptable, and perfect will of God."

What is it in your life,your home or your work you would like to have changed? Jesus is in the transforming business.

Someone has well said that nature forms us, sin deforms us, penitentiary reforms us, education informs us, the world conforms us, but only Jesus transforms us.

The same Jesus who turned water into wine can transform your home, your life, your family, your work,and your future.
This same Jesus is still in the business of transforming lives.

Yes, Jesus is still busy today transforming lives.
He is transforming lives of hopelessness into lives filled with exciting hope.
Jesus is transforming people plagued with doubt to lives full of faith.
Jesus is busy transforming lives stricken by sadness into into hearts filled with joy,

I believe today Jesus is going to transform your day into a glorious day. (enjoy it!)

Encouragement for your day: “I shall not be moved”

(Psalm 62:6) (David said) He is my rock and my salvation: He is my defence, I shall not be moved.

I like that old song that says, "Like a tree planted by the water, I shall not be moved."

Too often some people are moved by every little whim. Some people are tossed back and forth by the waves of today's culture. Satan and his distinctive likes to blow you off course just to ruin your day.

But when you put your faith in Jesus did you realize all that is unmovable?
(1) We have an unmovable God. (He is the same yesterday, today and tomorrow.)
2) We have an unmovable Lord. (He will never leave you nor forsake you)
(3) We have an unmovable gospel. (But the word of the Lord remains forever)
(4) We have an unmovable kingdom.(The Kingdom of God is an everlasting kingdom.

Let us not be moved, let us sing and shout, “Like a tree planted by the river I will not be moved.

When we are steadfast in the things of God and not be moved from them by the things of the world we are sure to have a pleasant and productive day. (enjoy it)

Encouragement for your day: "Rest for a weary day"

(Matthew 11:28) Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.

We hear people complaining about how tired they are.
Yet we are at a time when we are experiencing and enjoying more labor saving devises than any other time in history. Certainly more than our parents could ever imagine.

Some people try to find rest through recreation, through busyness, through making a lot of money.
But we find true rest is found in Jesus.

My age and health issues causes me to get tired quicker and more often then in younger years,but I have found a true rest in the Lord Jesus. That is the only place a person can find true rest.

In this weary world which we now live there is the need to have the peace of God that only comes through Christ Jesus. Christ can give us peace even in times of trouble.

So when my days grow weary and my nights are dreary I just give my cares over to Jesus and He gives me strength overcome and have victory over my cares.

When you are burdened with a heavy load, give it over to Jesus and he will make your day! (enjoy it)

Encouragement for your day:

(Proverbs 3:26) For the Lord shall be thy confidence, and shall keep thy foot from being taken

We are living in a time when Satan and the world are laboring overtime to place before you the snares of sin through temptation and mischief. Through confidence in self and others.

I have lived long enough to know that God does not promise everything in our lives will turn out hunky doorie, nor does He promise all things will turn out with pink bows and rainbows, and horns blowing.

But I have lived long enough to know that when I rely on the Lord to give me confidence to handle His way the hardships, trails and temptations I run into He always helps me.

What a wonderful peace and comfort it is to know when I place my confidence in Jesus, He provides the correct direction in time of distress, difficult, and danger. My confidence in Christ Jesus keeps me from being caught up in the snares of Satan, (my foot being taken.)

My confidence in the Lord always makes a better day for me. I want to live every day with confidence that God will give me victory in all circumstances of life.

By the way, I am confident that as you place your confidence in the Lord, He will grant you a victory day. (enjoy it!)

Encouragement for your day:



(Matthew 13:24 – 25) Another parable put he forth unto them, saying, The kingdom of heaven is likened unto a man which sowed good seed in his field:

But while men slept, his enemy came and sowed tares among the wheat, and went his way.



Weed, weeds, with all the rain we have been having, I can hardly keep the weeds out of my garden.

As I labor to keep the weeds out of my garden, I am reminded that Jesus told a parable of a man that planted good seed in his field and while the man slept his enemy came and sowed tars among the wheat.

Jesus said the enemy that sowed the bad seed (tars) was the Devil.

The moral of the parable is that the Devil, Satan comes into the garden of our lives and plant bad seed. He sows seeds of discouragement, disappointment, trying to destroy our faith in the Lord God.

The only way I can get the weeds out of my garden is with a hoe, and the sweat of my brow. To keep the weeds out I must cultivate regularly to enjoy a fruitful harvest.

The Lord plants good things in the garden of our lives, and the only way to rid the weeds from the garden of life is, to have a good attitude of gratitude for the good things God plants in your life.

Worship and giving thanks and praise to the Lord God is the best way to cultivate life’s garden.

May the Lord plant fruitful things in your life today that will produce peace and great joy. (enjoy it!)

Encouragement for your day:

(2 Timothy 3:16-17) All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:

That the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works.

The Bible claims to be the only standard from God for man’s spiritual practices while upon the earth.

The Bible and only the Bible must be our sole standard for spiritual authority today. Our standard is not what seems right.Neither is our standard our own feeling. Our standard certainly is not our own conscience.
The Bible and the Bible alone must be our standard for spiritual authority today.The Bible is the Inspired Word of God.
The Bible is completely sufficient to meet every spiritual need for all mankind.
If you will let the Bible be your spiritual authority and standard for living I know you will experience a great day. (enjoy it!)

Encouragement for your day: “You are important and valued!”

(Matthew 10:31 …Fear ye not therefore, ye are of more value than many sparrows.

(Luke 12:7) But even the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Fear not therefore,ye are of more value than many sparrows.

Jesus was taking to His disciples with the intent to strengthen them for the persecution, which was soon to come.

Persecution is bought on by those who would try to destroy our faith in the goodness of God and our salvation provided by Jesus.

But be assured God has demonstrated your importance and value to Him by sending Jesus to save and assure you of your personal worth to the Heavenly Father. Keep this in mind and you will experience a great day! (Enjoy it!)

Encouragement for your day:

(1 Peter 5:8) Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour.

Doug, Tammy and Ashley were vacationing in Pigeon Forge, their cabin was beside a fairly large creek and there were some ducks there in the creek, one mother duck had 7 babies, we were watching them when all at once a crane flew in a short distance from them the mother rushed down the bank and gathered the ducklings. The crane flew over to attack them, the mother moved them up the creek into some brush.

The next day Tammy saw the crane get one of the ducklings. And later saw the mother with only 4 babies; we assumed the crane got 3 of them. Before they left they saw the mother duck without any ducklings, they assume the crane devoured them all.

We must be very vigilant for that is the way Satan operates. He will try to catch us off guard and then attack us when we least expect it.

So keep alert, stay close to Jesus and you will have a great day. (enjoy it.)

Encouragement for your day:

Have you ever felt forsaken?

Psalm 9:10 “And they that know Thy name will put their trust in Thee: for Thou, Lord, hast not forsaken them that seek Thee.”

One may feel forsaken by his or her school mates, among co-worker one might feel forsaken, even in a close net family one can feel forsaken. But there is one thing for sure know the Lord, and trust Him, you will never be forsaken by the Lord. David knew how it felt to be forsaken by his fellow man. But he knew the Lord and fully trusted in Him. David had such a wonderful relationship with Lord God that he knew he would never be alone. When this Psalm was written, for one to truly know the Lord God meant loving and serving Him. And in our times, it means to confess his Son Jesus Christ, obey the Gospel, and walk righteously before Him. The blessed promise of this verses is that God never forsakes his children. They may indeed be sorely tried and tempted, or even, at times, feel forsaken, as did Christ Jesus Himself on Calvary; but nevertheless they are never forsaken. As you walk with the Lord today, and completely trusting Him, I am confident you will have a great day, (enjoy it!)

Encouragement for your Day:

(Romans 6:4) Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life.

Someone has well said that nature forms us, sin deforms us, penitentiary reforms us, education informs us, the world conforms us, but only Jesus transforms us.
Isn't it wonderful how Jesus can miraculous change the life of a person by transforming an old life into a new life. Old things have passed away; all things are made new!

New life in Christ Jesus takes on new meaning, gives new hope, produces new and greater joy.

New life in Christ Jesus actuated by new principles, aims toward new and higher goals, produces more productive and happier lives.

My prayer for you is that your day will be a happy and fruitful one as you experience the new things the Lord has in store for you today. (enjoy it!)

Encouragement for your day:

(Philippians 4:8) Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.

In these days that we are living it is somewhat hard to see the positive things of life.We struggle to see any good from all the bad news that comes across the airwaves.Every day the TV, the Internet, and I phone blast us with negative things of all sorts.

In these very trying times I try hard to think positive about the things of life.For I have found that happiness comes when I stop complaining about the troubles that come and offer thanks for the troubles I don't have.

The Lord gives us so much that is good and positive in life and if we think on those things we won't have time to get bogged down with the less productive things.

I believe as you go forth today thinking positive on the good things the Lord has given you, you will have a joyful and productive day! (enjoy it).

Encouragement for your day:

(Psalm 71:5) “For Thou art my hope, O Lord God:….”

The world defines the word hope as “maybe” or it is looked at as “wishful thinking.”

But when we look at the word hope in the Bible it has a far more meaning. Bible hope means “certainty”

It is a rock solid assurance with anticipation something will happen.

The best way to have your hope fulfilled is to share the hope of the Bible with someone around you.

Jesus came, lived and died, arose from the dead, and has returned to the right hand of the Father.

He did this so that you could have eternal life. God wants you to share that hope with someone in your family, or someone at your work place. It maybe someone in the hospital, It maybe someone you run into at the super market today.

I can assure you that if you will share today with at least one person the hope that comes from trusting in Jesus as your Saviour, you will make their day, and you will certainly have a better day than you had hoped for. “Do it and Enjoy it!”

Encouragement for your day:

(Matthew 5:14) “Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hid.”

Tuesday night as the storm ragged, light poles were blown down and a part of Williamstown was left in the dark. We were about to have our evening meal and our house become really dark.

It turned into a romantic evening, with a candle light meal.
But afterward I sat back on the couch and Maxine had place the little candle on the kitchen island this verse came to my mind.

As I again realized how much the small light brighten up the darkened room. And it became more aware of that which Jesus said when He said, “Ye are the light of the world, let your light shine.”

(John 1:4) says of Jesus, “In Him was life, and the life was the light of men.”

Men, women, boys and girls all over the world have experienced the life of Jesus and their lives are shinning for Jesus.

The best way to brighten your day is to let your light shine before others, as you do, they will see your good works and the Heavenly Father will be glorified, you will experience one of your brightest days. (Enjoy it!)

Encouragement for your day: “Sing unto the Lord”
(Psalm 98:1) O sing unto the Lord a new song, for He hath done marvelous things, His right hand, and His holy arm, hath gotten me victory.
As I write this it is raining and highly overcast. But as I consider the upcoming weekend and the different worship services of the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus that will be taking place I must say there is good reason to sing on this rainy day.
Whether it is raining or the sun is brightly shinning every day is a day for rejoicing.
1. We have the love of the one and only true and living God.
2. We have a Savior that lived, died, and now lives forevermore.
3. We have salvation through our faith and obedience to Jesus.
4. We have the promise of a radiant life here and a better life hereafter.
5. We have the Holy Spirit to comfort and guide us into the good things of God.
As you go forth today, don’t worry about the tune, just sing unto the Lord.
At least make a joyful noise unto the Lord, for He does such wonderful things.
How marvelous, how wonderful is the Savior’s love.
Rainy day, a day of sun shine, “Sing unto the Lord” it will brighten your day and make you feel better along the way. (Enjoy it!)

Encouragement for your day: (1 Peter 2:21-23)

While studying from Isaiah 53 for my Sunday message this thought came to mind.

When you are miss treated insulted, abused are miss used, when you are falsely accused of something, what do you do? Don't you just feel like socking them one or at least give them a piece of your mind.

Better though you should remember the four capital letters (WWJD) that was popular some years back'

I believe (WWJD) was based on the passage from Isaiah 53. (What Would Jesus Do?)

(1 Peter 2:21-23) For even hereunto were ye called: because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that ye should follow his steps:

Who did no sin, neither was guile found in his mouth:

Who, when he was reviled, reviled not again; when he suffered, he threatened not; but committed himself to Him that judgeth righteously:


Don't you think Jesus might have thought about calling fire down from Heaven on those who treated Him so cruelly? But He didn't do that, both Isaiah and Peter says, “He reviled not, nor opened His mouth.


It will happen to you, you can be sure of it, for we live, work, and play among people void of good character.

When it does I encourage you to use the example of Jesus. Your day will be much better. “Enjoy it.”

Encouragement for your day: “Facing today’s problems”

(2 Corinthians 4:8-9) We are troubled on every side, yet not distressed; we are perplexed, but not in despair; Persecuted, but not forsaken; cast down, but not destroyed:

The Apostle Paul faced problems on ever side, yet he wasn’t distressed, neither in despair.

The problems we face in life will do 1 of 2 things. They will either defeat us are they will develop us.

God uses problems to direct us, correct us, and to protect us.

It will depend on how we respond to them as to what they will do to and for us.

If we react foolishly and resentfully toward the problems we face we will fail to see God working it out for our good.

The Apostle Paul was confident as he look to Jesus he knew that Jesus would use the problems he faced in a way to bring him to a place of victory instead of defeat.Today as you face the problems of life, may you be encouraged by the attitude and words of the Apostle which will make your day better if not greater. “Enjoy it!)

Encouragement for your day:

(2 Corinthians 3:1-4) "Blessed by the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort; 4 who comforts us in all our affliction so that we may be able to comfort those who are in any affliction with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God.

Have you ever been discouraged? Don’t answer that, I know the answer.

Discouragement is a thief. It steals your vitality, your zeal, your joy, your peace, and your contentment.If discouragement dwells long with you, its friends will soon join. Their names are fatigue, hopelessness, despair, self-pity, depression, doubt, and bitterness.

Discouragement is dissatisfaction with the past, distaste for the present, and distrust of the future. It is ingratitude for the blessings of yesterday, indifference to the opportunities of today, and insecurity regarding strength for tomorrow. It is unawareness of the presence of God, and unbelief in the promises of His Word.

If we have nothing to rely on, or we forget our blessing and look to our circumstances, then that is when discouragement begins to take hold. Instead, what we need is encouragement. We need hope and peace and the knowledge that the Lord knows our troubles has great concern and compassion for us and is not leaving us unloved or uncared for.

You do not have to live in a world of hurt and doubt. Keeping your eyes on Jesus is the best way to be encouraged. In Him, you can have comfort and peace and encouragement for your day today. “Enjoy it!”

Encouragement for your day:

(Isaiah 40:29) He giveth power to the faint; and to them that hath no might he increaseth strength.

Are you dealing with the struggles of life and getting no help? The pace of time is going so fast, the daily demands we have to deal with causes one to grow weary.

But isn't it great that the words of Isaiah are so true. The Lord truly gives strength and help to the weary.

So I know today, as you look unto the Lord Jesus , He will give you strength and guidance to overcome any struggle you might face and will empower you to have a victorious day. (Enjoy it)

Encouragement for you day:

(Lamentations 3:21-24) “God’s mercies are new every morning."

As I continue preparing my series on Daniel I found myself in the book of Lamentations where Daniel is lamenting over the destruction of Jerusalem. One of the things that caught me was the fact that as Jeremiah expressed his sorrow over the destruction of Jerusalem he recalls to mind that God’s mercies and compassions are new every morning. And his hope of better things is based upon this promise.

As each morning dawns, God gives us new hope in fresh supply of mercies and compassion.

God promises to send them without fail. No matter how bad the past days were, people who look to the Lord can expect new mornings with faith and hope.

As the morning opens up today, and you seek Lord God, I have faith that out of His mercies He will grant you a more wonderful day than you have hoped for. “Enjoy it.”

Benny (3 John 1:2)

Encouragement for your day:

(Acts26:25) And at midnight Paul and Silas prayed, and sang praises unto God:

The longer I live the more I am convinced that life is 10 percent of what happens to me and 90 percent of how I react to it.

Isn't it something how we allow life's adversities discourage us?

Paul and Silas were setting in the deep dark dungeon of the Philippians jail. They didn't allow that to discourage them. for at midnight they were singing and praising the Lord.

Bound hand and feet in the stocks, they did the only thing they could do, they raised their voices in praise to God. Miraculously God set them free to do that which they loved, and loved to do. That was to share the Gospel.

This proves that if we will face our adversities with the right attitude of praise unto the Lord God, He will free us of our adversities and open the door to a brighter day.

Today as you go forth praising the Lord God, I believe He will bless you with something special. "Enjoy it"

Benny (3 John1:2)

Encouragement for your day: Asking you to have a nice day!

(Philippians 4:4) Rejoice in the Lord always, and again I say rejoice!

I wish to share with you my top reasons to rejoice.

1. I have a great God.
2. I have a wonderful Savior
3. My sins are for given.
4. A beautiful wife that loves me.
5. Four daughters with normal families.
6. A good Church family and fellowship.
7. Many wonderful Christian friends.
8. The Word of God to guide me.
9. The Holy Spirit to lead me.
10. People that pray for me.
11. Many prayers answered.
12. Reasonable good health.
13. Enough money to pay my bills.
14. A positive future.
15. And as good as things are now, when I die, things get even better.

Perhaps you have seen the cartoon that pictures a middle aged man, pot-bellied, with a frown on his face, wearing a T shirt that reads, “Please don’t ask me to have a nice day.”

The Apostle Paul commands us to rejoice in the goodness of God, God shows His goodness by and through the Lord Jesus.

This command may be one of the most difficult to obey consistently, but I encourage you to make you a list of the top reasons you have to rejoice and I know you will have a great day.

“Enjoy it!”

Encouragement for your day: "Tea bag people"

(James 1:2-3) My brethren , count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations; Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience.

People are like tea bags, if you want to know what’s inside them, just drop them into hot water! Has God tested your faith with a problem? What do these problems reveal about you? “When you have many kinds of troubles, you should be full of joy, because you know that these troubles test your faith, and this will give you patience.”

This is saying, don't get all bent out of shape when problems arise today, Be patient, it just may be that God is testing your faith and trying to make you a stronger person.

To some, to say, rejoice when trouble comes is troubling. They don't understand why anyone would want to rejoice when trouble comes. They see life as the world sees it. The world rejoices when trouble leaves.

The Christian rejoices when trouble comes! That is not to say that Christians go and seek trouble. James does not suggest that we spend our days looking for trouble so we can prove how much faith we have. A careful reading of verse two says when we "fall into divers temptations" meaning when trouble finds us. When trouble finds us we approach it with an attitude that it is another opportunity to let our faith work and for Christ to work through us to achieve another victory.

So today face your problems with joy, and you will have a joyful day today! "Enjoy it."

Benny (3 John 1:2)

Encouragement for your day: "Think on good things"

(Philippians 4:8) Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things. Whatever is true, good, praiseworthy, excellent, think on these things,

What do you think of as you make your way through the day and things come into you mind that you would rather not think about?

I often hear people saying thing such as, I wish my marriage was better, I wish my job wasn't so demanding, at least I wish my boss was a little more understanding. I wish I had a bigger house, a newer car. I have to believe that some people are always thinking of what they don't have. I am sure that is so or they wouldn't be saying such things.

I learned early in life that kind of thinking is a real killjoy. Thinking on what you don't have and wishing what you do have was better will sap the joy right out of your life. Thinking about the negative thigs in life makes life boring.

I have learned to be content and thankful for all that I have been blessed with in this life I am encouraged to do what the apostle Paul says, He says to think on good things. And of all the good things I have to think on I can't think of anything better to think on then the many mansion Jesus says that are in His Father’s (our Father's) house.

When I start thinking about that my imagination goes wild but not out of control. Think about it a place where everything is beautiful. Nothing boring there. All things are new. Boredom will never find us there. No eye has seen , no ear heard, no mind has conceived what God has prepared for those who love Him, there is nothing that can compare with what we have in Christ Jesus.

Can there be anything better? To take an angelic tour of the New Jerusalem? To walk on the streets of gold? To drink from the river of life instead of just singing about it? To see His face and to fellowship spirit to spirit. What would you ask Him? What would you ask the Apostles and the Prophets? How about saved family members that went ahead of you that will be there to greet you. Were you blind, deaf or crippled here? You won’t be there. Cancer will never be an issue again either.

Do you believe that if you die at an old age you will be forever young and beautiful there? Forever never stops. No more death, sin or boredom. We will be busy bees and never complaining that work is too hard or difficult. Whatever He has us do we will enjoy to our hearts content. Every eye dry, no more depression, all things become new. We can eat of the tree of life and never get fat.

Things in this life are nice if in their proper perspective, but to literally walk with Jesus and sit at His feet in fellowship, face to face just floors me. I can think of nothing better than my Father’s house.

Just thinking on those good things always makes my day joyful. I hope it does yours. (Enjoy your day!)

Benny (3 John 1:2)

Encouragement for your day:

(Psalms 119:105) Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.

The word of the Lord God a a great and glorious light. Men, women, boys and girls everywhere can have knowledge of God We learn from the word of God of the graciousness and mercifullness of Christ Jesus who offers salvation and eternal life. The whole Scripture is a light shining in a dark place; a lamp or torch to be carried in the hand of a believer, while as he/she passes through this dark world;

By the light of the word we see the difference between true and false doctrine, error and immorality; the way of truth and godliness, in which a we should walk

The light is a lamp that shinds in the darkness, keeps us from tsumbling through ourday. The light is good to walk by, work by and to play by. It keeps us from falling into the clenches of Satan.

The word is a light unto our path, it keeps us on the right track as we go through the day. We must understand that light, "the word of God" is only good to those that have their eyes open. The word; for a lamp, torch, candle, or any other light are of no use to a blind man.

May the Holy Spirit bring peace to your heart, gladness to your soul and joy to your spirit as you walk the path he has laid out for you today. Walking in the light of the Lord always makes a good day.
(Enjoyit!)

Encouragement for your day:

(Jeremiah 29:11) For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the LORD, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end.

I know this verse has to do with the Israelites being in bondage to the Babylonians, but as I study it over I see the big heart of God.

In due time, God is going to bring them back to their home land. They no doubt feel that God has given them up, forgot about them, but no, His thought are still on them.

God's love moves toward them and He promises them that He would put an end to their exile, as it was to be only for a time.

God has the best and noblest thoughts for them, they will once again experience His love, peace and eternal blessings. No good thing will be withheld from them. Their end will be far greater than their beginning.

As we are now entered into a new year, we are not in bondage to Babylon, but we are in that big heart of God, and His thoughts toward us are not evil, God's thoughts are always good for His people.

The Lord God has great exceptions for you this year. He is going to open to you new opportunities. As you daily walk with Jesus you will explore more beautiful and wonderful things of God's Kingdom than ever before.

When we have learned to expect great things from God, we shall begin to get great things. You know all things are ours in Christ Jesus.

I believe this New Year will be filled with adventure, excitement and joy. Surely that will give reason to rejoice! Just thinking about it today will make your day today, better than your day yesterday. (So enjoy your day!)

Benny (3 John 1:2)

Encouragement for your day:

(Philippians 3:13-14) Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.

As good as last year was it is likely that most if not all of us in some way or another have not made the best use of our time during the past year. There is much that has been left undone. People and places not visited. even fishing poles left unused.

But praise be God the old year has passed, a new year has now began. It is impossible to relive the past year, for last year is forever gone. But we need not despair for the Lord God has opened a new year to us and we now have the opportunity to experience new and wonderful things of God.

The Apostle Paul looking at his life realizing he had experienced some tough and rough times in life sums it up saying,"I am not going to look back at the things I suffered, the things I didn't accomplish, that which wasn't profitable for the Lord and the Kingdom of God. For I am going to press forward to that which the Lord would have me to do and enjoy."

I believe when the Apostle wrote (Philippians 3:13-14) he had on his mind that which he told the Corinthians, recorded in (1 Corinthians 2:9) But as it is written, Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him.

Isn't it wonderful as you Look unto Jesus in this New Year, as you Love Jesus, Learn of Jesus, as you Walk with Jesus, Talk with Jesus, who knows what joyful and wonderful adventures you will experience in 2018? As the past is past and in the presents you are pressing toward the future, enjoy today in the Lord!

Benny (3 John 1:2)

Encouragement for your day:

Today, I first want to wish you a very "MERRY CHRISTMAS." and may all His spiritual blessings be yours this Christmas.

(Matthew 2:1) Now when Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judaea in the days of Herod the king, behold, there came wise men from the east to Jerusalem,

The Wise Men were seeking Jesus. Wise men and women still seek Jesus today. Wise men and women still seek Him; and those who seek find more than they ever imagined. For in Jesus Christ, and Him alone, are to be found forgiveness, inward peace, joys in life today, the promises of life eternal. Even in the difficulties and disappointments that we face with today, wise men and women still seek Jesus.

Jesus will never disappoint you and He will help you through the difficult times of your life. So it is that I encourage you to be wise and seek Jesus in all that you do today and I know that you won't be disappointed. (enjoy it!).

Benny (3 John 1:2)

Encouragement for your day:
(Luke2:8-12) And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid. And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord. And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.

When life is tiring, when you are struggling with the difficulties of life, when your health is failing, when the future is unsure, when the world is experiencing such an unrest it is easy to be discouraged.

But when I consider all that God has promised me through Jesus, one thing I have determined, And that is, "I will not be discouraged."

When one begins to talk about how bad things are, I am reminded of all the good things God has given me through Christ Jesus.

When considering the unrest, I look unto Jesus, He gives me peace, for He is the Prince of Peace. And there is great joy in knowing Jesus.

The good things, the peace and joy is all wrapped up in Jesus of the manger. As you look unto Jesus I am sure you will find peace and joy in the good things God sends your way today. (enjoy it!)

Benny (3 John1:2)

Encouragement for your day: (John 1:1) In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God." Everything that God is, Jesus is. Everything that God has, Jesus has. Everything that God does, Jesus does. Jesus is fully God. He is the God-man. Jesus makes the invisible God known to man. He is the very Word of God. He is God’s Word to this human race. He is God in human flesh There has never ever been another like the Lord Jesus Christ with a supernatural nature. today. as you look unto Jesus He will give you a supernatural day. (enjoy it!) Benny (3 John 1:2)

NotesEncouragement for your day: (Psalm 66:19) But verily God hath heard me; he hath attended to the voice of my prayer. I am so happy that after Jesus saves us He makes it possible for us to pray to God the Heavenly Father. I have always had great faith in prayer. But as the time passes and I see the Lord working good things in people's lives,and experienced prays of the people in my own life, I have even a greater faith in prayers offer to God in the name of Jesus. You do not have a need in your life but what prayer could supply that need. There’s not a sin in your life that a proper prayer life couldn’t overcome. You will not run into a situation but what prayer will see you through So why not in faith start your day off with a little prayer to the Lord for a peaceful, productive and prosperous day? As you do I grant you, you will be surprised what the Lord will do! (Enjoy it,) Benny (3 John 1:2)

Encouragement for your day: "Happy Thanksgiving to you" (Psalm 100:1-5) Make a joyful noise unto the LORD, all ye lands, Serve the LORD with gladness: come before His presence with singing. Know ye that the LORD He is God: it is He that hath made us, and not we ourselves; we are His people, and the sheep of His pasture. Enter into His gates with thanksgiving, and into His courts with praise: be thankful unto Him, and bless His name. For the LORD is good; His mercy is everlasting; and His truth endureth to all generations. Thanksgiving Day is a distinctive holiday. It doesn't commemorate a battle or anyone's birthday or anniversary. It is simply a day set aside to express our nation's thanks to our nation's God. As you celebrate Thanksgiving might you realize the goodness of God in such a way that you can't keep it with-in and you are compelled to express your joy and thanks from the depths of your being! (Enjoy your day with "thanksgiving.") Benny (3 John 1:2)

Encouragement for your day: "Let's go mountain climbing today." (Joshua 14:10-13) And now, behold, the LORD hath kept me alive, as he said, these forty and five years, even since the LORD spake this word unto Moses, while the children of Israel wandered in the wilderness: and now, lo, I am this day fourscore and five years old. As yet I am as strong this day as I was in the day that Moses sent me: as my strength was then, even so is my strength now, for war, both to go out, and to come in. Now therefore give me this mountain, whereof the LORD spake in that day; for thou heardest in that day how the Anakims were there, and that the cities were great and fenced: if so be the LORD will be with me, then I shall be able to drive them out, as the LORD said. And Joshua blessed him, and gave unto Caleb the son of Jephunneh Hebron for an inheritance. Hebron therefore became the inheritance of Caleb the son of Jephunneh the Kenezite unto this day, because that he wholly followed the LORD God of Israel. Caleb declared to Joshua that he desired the hill country where the giants had been seen. He was confident that with the power of God he would be able to take this tough territory. Each of us has a mountain to climb, spiritually speaking. The children of God always face obstacles in their lives, but with His strength we can overcome our mountains no matter how rugged the terrain. Many feel inadequate to face the mountains of life. We learn significant lessons from Caleb as he claimed the mountain God promised. We find that he was sufficient for the task, and God provided him with strength for each demand. As you climb your mountain today I know you will reach the peak, because I have confidence in you that you have confidence the same God that Caleb had confidence in. If you run into some rugged terrain today, keep climbing for it is a beautiful view when you finish the climb. And by the way, when you reach the peak, wave for I will be peaking at you from the mountain top next to you, for I am climbing today too. I just know that the Lord God is going to bless your climb today, enjoy it! Benny (3 John 1:2)

Encouragement for your day: "Our Bridge" John 14:6 Jesus said, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. Yesterday Maxine and I visited Natural Bridge Stake Park and as I made my way up to the bridge I couldn't help to think of Jesus being the bridge between God and man. Jesus bridged the gulf of sin and brought us into a right relationship with God our Heavenly Father. Jesus is our bridge over the troubled waters of life. Jesus willingly went to the cross for us that He might bridge the gap that was between us and the Heavenly Father because of our sin. It took the sinless blood of Jesus to make the bridge that would lead us over the gulf of sin into the presence of God. As you walk in the presence of God today, might Jesus bridge your day with peace and joy, Should trouble waters rise before you,remember, Jesus will bridge it for you. (Enjoy your day). Benny (3 John 1:2)

Encouragement for your day: (Matthew 10:29-31) Are not two sparrows sold for a farthing? and one of them shall not fall on the ground without your Father. But the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Fear ye not therefore, ye are of more value than many sparrows. Isn't it wonderful how God takes notice of and watches over the tiniest things of His creation which we hardly think about, God cares about things we don’t even notice. But these verse teach us that if God so cares for the smallest sparrow, how much more He cares for you. God keeps close tabs on them every moment of every day. Therefore there’s nothing that we experience in life that escapes God’s attention either. Jesus wants us to understand, that with God our Father there is no such thing as a nameless, faceless individual. Every person on earth is of great value to Him. In this great big world that we live in there may be times when you might feel so small so helpless and so insignificant, but that is not how God feels about you. Jesus has preserved these words in Scripture for one reason and one reason alone. It is that you might recognize your true worth and realize how precious you are in the sight of God. The fact is that you are so important to God that He has planned a special day for you today "Enjoy it" Benny (3 John 1:2)

Encouragement for your day. (Hebrews 10:23) Let us hold fast the profession of our faith without wavering; (for He is faithful who promised;) We live in a broken world where everything calls us toward selfishness and despair. Sin steals joy, our bodies break down, our plans falter, our dreams die, our resolves weaken, our perspective dims. We are promised suffering, persecution and trials of various kinds. Yet we need not be discouraged, disappointed, nor panic, we need not give up, because God has promised to see us through, and if God be for us who or what can be against us? As you face the day remember God has proven to you by sending Jesus into the world that He will always keep His promises. And He has promised to work all things together for good to those who will hold fast the faith. So by faith in Jesus God has promised you a good day. “Enjoy it!” Benny (3 John 1:2)

Encouragement for your day: (1 Corinthians 2:9) But as it is written, Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, nether hath entered into the heart of man the things which God hath prepared for them that love Him. Years ago, men used to sail around the Mediterranean and within the Mediterranean, that great sea. It is called the Mediterranean because the word literally means "the middle of the earth." Well every now and then they would go to the Straits of Gibraltar, and they would venture out a little way into that open sea, and then they would come back into the Straits of Gibraltar and back into the Mediterranean. That great Rock of Gibraltar, rising up there out of the sea, had some caves, and these mariners would go up into these caves and rest and stay for awhile. They chiseled on the rocks of Gibraltar these words in Latin: "Ne plus ultra” which means "there is nothing beyond." As far as they knew, that was the stepping off place that was the end of the world. As far as they knew, their world ended with the Rock of Gibraltar. Then one day a man by the name of Christopher Columbus set sail. Columbus sailed west, came to a brand new world, discovered the Americas, came back and told people what he had seen. Well some mariners went back up to the top of the Rock of Gibraltar and they chiseled off the "Ne" and simply left the words "plus ultra." The inscription, which before had read, “no more beyond," now simply said, "more beyond." I want to tell you, that for everyone that has received the Lord Jesus, there is more, much more beyond. I am not talking only of the life that is beyond this life, which is certainly beyond anything we see or experience here on earth. I am talking about our everyday life. Today, yes even today as you look unto Jesus you will see a brighter day than yesterday, You will hear the sweetest words, as He speaks to your heart. An because You love Him, You won’t even believe what He has prepared for you today until you experience it, ENJOY IT! Benny (3 John 1:2)

Encouragement for your day. (1 John 5:14) And this is the confidence we have toward Him, (God), that if we ask anything according to His will He hears us. What a wonderful promise. God has promised to answer our prayers, yet there are some qualifications we must meat. 1. We must abide in Christ, (John 15:7). 2. We must ask in the name of Jesus, (John 14:14). 3.We must ask believing, (Mark 11:24). 4. We must live an obedient life, (1 John 3:22). 5. We must ask with the right motive, (James 4:3). This is not a promise that anything that might be asked of God by any person will be done, but means that a person truly "in Christ," and asking in harmony with the Father's will, will have his or her prayers answered. This is one of the great promises of our loving Heavenly Father. I believe that through your faith in Christ Jesus, which promotes obedient lives, honoring God, you can be very confident that you will overcome the adversities of life and be blessed with and enjoy good days. This being so, I know that today will be a special day for you. Benny (3 John 1:2)

Encouragement for your day. Lamentations 3:25 The LORD is good unto them that wait (or depend on) for him, to the soul that seeketh him. As we read of Jeremiah, at this time we see him as a man who is discouraged he felt miserable, he felt that he had been mistreated, the worse part is that thought God had mistreated him. Jeremiah felt hopeless, he did not expect anything good was going to come to him.. When you are depressed, you feel hopeless. When you feel rejected by those you love, you feel hopeless. When you have a medical problem that resists all efforts of cure, you feel hopeless., when you don’t expect anything good is going to come your way; you feel hopeless. How can we negotiate life when the road is filled with one pothole after another, blind curves, and dead ends? The answer is not a new life, a new career, or a new spouse. The answer is a new attitude of hope. Jeremiah found hope because God’s mercies are new every morning. Have you ever experience a long dark night, and then you see the breaking of the light of a new day? As the morning light breaks through your spirit lifts because you are reminded that God’s mercies are new every morning. And you take on a new hope. Jeremiah found hope because of God’s unfailing love. Jeremiah found hope because God is good to those that wait on him. That is certain! You could think of the things that are not happening that you think should be happening in your life, and miss out on what God wants to happen in your life today. Jeremiah took on a new mind set, instead of telling himself nothing good is coming his way, he begin to think of the promises of God and realized His mercies were new ever day. 0ne of the things Jesus came to do was to verify the promises of God. So let us take the promise of God’s mercies being new ever morning and enjoy them A-L-L daylong. Enjoy every minute of it! Benny (3 John 1:2) By the way, I woke up with the hymn going through my mind that says, “My hope is built on nothing less, than Jesus’ blood and righteousness” On what a thought to take me through the day.

Encouragement for your day. A pray especially for you! (2 Timothy 1:7) For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind. My prayer for you today! Dear God our Heavenly Father, Today I want to pray for each one that is on my weekly e-mail list. I know they are dear to you. I pray that You will grant them courage to face the day with a cheerful spirit even if all things don’t go their way. Help them to see opportunities even if there are faced with difficulties. Please grant them courage to do whatever needs to be done to have a wonderful, joyous and victorious day in Christ Jesus in whose name I pray. Amen. Benny (3 John 1:2)

Encouragement for your day! (Your day is full of possibilities!) (John 10:10) Jesus said, “I am come that you might have life and have it more abundantly.” “The only person you are destined to become is the person you decide to be.” As a person decides to become a child of God by receiving and obedience of the Lord Jesus, they are destined to be victorious over the hindering and hurtful things of this life. And because of the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus, we have victory over death and the grave therefore destined for the Promise Land, which is the vast, wonderful and glorious place called Heaven. That’s a wonderful thought isn’t it? Just thinking of that ought to perk anybody up. And by the way, while you are feeling perky don’t forget, in Christ Jesus you are destined to experience a day full of possibilities, (that is what abundantly means). “ENJOY IT” Benny (3 John 1:2)

Encouragement for your day: (1 Peter 1:6) Wherein ye greatly rejoice though now for a season, if need be, ye are in heaviness through manifold temptations. It has been said that hardships will either make a person bitter or better. Jesus warmed us that we would experience some tough times in this life. Peter come to know and experience first hand what Jesus was talking about. And Peter says for us to be exceedingly glad for the trials and temptations are just for a little while and we need not allow them to make us bitter for there is wonderful joy ahead. Peter faced trials and temptations with faith in Jesus to bring him through them and it sure did make Peter a better person. I know that you are a better person because of your faith in Jesus and that is why you are going to enjoy a wonderful and joyous day. Benny (3 John 1:2)

Encouragement for your day: 1P 1 Peter 5:7 Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you. I just want to remind you that God really loves you and He knows that you are so often loaded down with the cares of the world and He doesn’t want you to waste your day dwelling on your cares especially the cares that you can’t do anything about, the cares that spoil your day. That is why He sent Jesus to bare your burdens so that you could enjoy your day. So why not take Him at His word, and cast your cares on Him and enjoy the wonderful things He has in store for you today? I am sure at the end of the day you will be glad and thankful you did. Benny (3 John 1:2)

Encouragement for your day: (Joel 2:31). “The sun will be turned to darkness . . . before the great and terrible day of the Lord comes” I wonder how many of the people who scrambled to get a glimpse of the eclipse Monday thought of this scripture verse? I wonder if any thought of the darkness that over shadowed the Jerusalem on the day Jesus died on the cross. Jesus died during the darkness on the cross to bring light into the darkened world, to light up the way of peace, joy and hope. I really do have hope that Jesus will light up your day with joy and peace, as you walk in the light of the Lord I know you will have a great day. Benny (3 John 1:2)

Encouragement for your day: “ (Hebrews 6:19) “We have this hope as an anchor for the soul, firm and secure” The song says, “We have an anchor that keeps the soul, stead fast and sure while the bellows roll; fasten to the Rock which cannot move, grounded firm and deep in the Saviour’s love. The question is, “are you anchored in the Saviour’s love? In this unstable world we are living in, where the bellows roll continually, we need an anchor that will hold us safe and sure. We must be anchored to the Rock and that Rock is Jesus. I do know this, even if the storm clouds blow in, if you are grounded deep in the Saviours love you will have a great day. (Enjoy it.) Benny (3 John 1:2)

Encouragement for your day. (Matthew 6:34) Jesus said, "Take therefore no thought , for the morrow shall take thought for the things of itself. Sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof." "Take therefore no thought for the morrow," is the same as saying, "not to worry about tomorrow." Worry has become part of our national culture. You could write on countless American gravestones the epitaph: ‘Hurried, Worried, Buried.’" Someone has said, "worry is “anxiety over the future that dominates the present.” Someone else said that worry is “the interest paid by those who borrow trouble.” Worry is a tool of the Devil to keep you from fully living and enjoying life today. So, I am going to reject the Devil's worry about tomorrow and take the advise of Jesus and enjoy all the immediate wonders of the world that are around me today. How about you, do you want to come along? As we look unto Jesus He has wonderful things planned for you today,enjoy your day with Jesus. (Benny 3 John 1:2)

Encouragement for your day: (Thoughts the Lord has for you) (Isaiah 55:8) For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the Lord. (Jeremiah 29:11) For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the Lord, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end. As you keep your mind centered on the thoughts God has for us, thoughts that are revealed through the scriptures it will make for a wonderful and enjoyable day for you. Studying God’s word is the only way to know the thoughts God has for us and the only way to produce faith in our life. Let us learn it, love it, and live it and enjoy it not only today, but each and every day of our life. (Hoping you have an enjoyable and wonderful) Benny (3 John 1: 2)

Encouragement for your day: Jesus Christ is the most encouraging person to ever live. In (II Thessalonians 2: 16, 17) Christ is spoken of as our encourager, 'Now may our Lord Jesus Christ Himself, who has loved us and given us everlasting consolation and good hope by grace, comfort your hearts and establish you in every good word and work.'' These words consolation and comfort can be and are also translated encourage. The Lord has promised His followers that He will never forsake them, that He will be with them. No matter what we go through in life He will be with us. The Lord always keeps His promises. As you look unto Jesus today may you be encouraged by His promise to be with you, to help you, and to give you a peaceful, productive, joyful day. (I do hope that you enjoy your day). Benny (3 John 1:2)

Encouragement for your day. We are only on the shore of knowing Him. (Philippians 3:10) Paul say, That I may know Him, and the power of his resurrection, and the fellowship of his sufferings, being made conformable unto his death; I have been preaching now over 40 years and the more I learn of the Lord the more I realize how little I know of and about Him. I so long to discover more and more of Jesus. Just think about Christopher Columbus, he didn’t discover America, he just touched the shores of America. Even today there are areas in America that have not been explored. I am sure there are thousands of lakes that are unnamed, and acres and acres of forests that are unknown to man. Likewise I am convinced that there is so much more about God and the Savior Jesus that we will never know in this life. But I also believe that God’s plan is that we know more and more about Him each day. As for today may you t experience more of the wonderful things that God has in store for you and may the things that you experience today help you to know more and more about Him. Benny (3 John 1:2)

Encouragement for your day: Hebrews 13:5 says, “Jesus is the same yesterday, today, and tomorrow.” Are you the same today as you were yesterday? Are you going to be the same tomorrow as you will be today? I venture to say, maybe not, maybe so, maybe will. I kind of feel that many if not most people’s day are made up of reactions of what is happening to them, for them or around them. Our successes and failures often reflect our mood for the day. Our joy and happiness often set the tone for the day. Sickness or health certainly does have a lot to do with or accomplishments of the day. Other things often force us to have good days and bad days. I am quite sure that your today will not be the same as your yesterday, nor will tomorrow be the same as your today. But I do know this every day with Jesus is sweeter than the day before. Faith in the living Jesus who helped you yesterday will help you today and tomorrow. The way I see it everyday is a good day. It’s how you see it, that’s what I say. When you wake up in that mind frame, singing with the Blue Jays, every day is a good day. Because Jesus loves you, and that love is the same yesterday, today and tomorrow. That’s the reason you are going to have a good day, today, (enjoy every minute of it!) Benny (3 John 1:2)

Encouragement for your day: (Matthew 11:28) "Encouraged or Discouraged?" When life is tiring, when you are struggling, when family members aren't saved, when bills aren't paid, when school is difficult, when work is exhausting, when your health is failing, when your loved ones are hurt, when the future is unsure, and when a good friend leaves, it is easy to be discouraged. Discouragement is a thief. It steals your vitality, your zeal, your joy, your peace, and your contentment. If discouragement dwells long with you, its friends will soon join. Their names are fatigue, hopelessness, despair, self-pity, depression, doubt, and bitterness. Discouragement is dissatisfaction with the past, distaste for the present, and distrust of the future. It is ingratitude for the blessings of yesterday, indifference to the opportunities of today, and insecurity regarding strength for tomorrow. It is unawareness of the presence of God, and unbelief in the promises of His Word. If we have nothing to rely on, or we forget our blessing and look to our circumstances, then that is when discouragement begins to take hold. Instead, what we need is encouragement. We need hope and peace and the knowledge that the Lord knows our troubles has great concern and compassion for us and is not leaving us unloved or without cared. Keeping your eyes on Jesus is the best way to be encouraged. In Him, you can have comfort and peace and encouragement. For Jesus said, (Matthew 11:28) “Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.” You do not have to live in a world of hurt and doubt. You don't have to live alone. You don't have to weep in solitude. You have the body of Christ to lift you up. You have the Word of God to teach you. You have the Holy Spirit indwelling in you who warms your soul. But you need to trust God. You need to remember the Lord's blessing. You need to depend on Him. You need to keep your eyes on Jesus and Him alone. Trust in God and enjoy your blessings from the Lord all day long!

Encouragement for your day: (Psalm 34:15) “The eyes of the Lord are upon the righteous and His ear is open to their cry.” I recently read this little story and thought it was really neat. “A little boy who lives up north was eagerly looking forward to the birthday party of his friend who lived only a few blocks away. When the day finally arrived, a snowstorm was making driving hazardous. But the boy insisted that didn’t matter – he could walk to his friend’s home. And he could do it all by himself. He didn’t need any help. In fact, he didn’t want any help. He was a big boy now. Still his father hesitated. “But Dad,” he pleaded, “all the other kids will be there. Their parents are letting them go.” Finally, the father replied, “All right, if that’s what you really want to do.” Overjoyed, the boy bundled up for the trip & plunged out into the storm. The swirling snow sometimes made it difficult for him to see, & it took him nearly half an hour of trudging through the snow to get there. But finally he was there. He climbed the porch steps, & reached up to ring the doorbell. As he did he turned briefly to look back behind him, & through the blowing snow he saw the receding figure of a man. It was his father who had followed him all the way just to make sure that he arrived safely at his destination.” I like that! I like the idea of a father who would allow his child to tackle something difficult on his own, but who at the same time would make sure to be there if he were needed. That is one of the wonderful characteristics of God and the evidences of His real love. That is just like our Heavenly Father. That is the way He is with you and me. It brings to mind that which David says in (Psalm 34:15) “The eyes of the Lord are upon the righteous, and His ears are open unto their cry.” The eyes of the Lord is upon you right now, and will be all the day long just to make sure you reach the destinations you need to and to provide you with the guidance to make it a great day for you. (expect it, receive it, enjoy it, it’s going to be a special day just for you! For you are special to God!)

Encouragement for your day: Isaiah 40:28-31 Do you not know? Have you not heard? The LORD is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth. He will not grow tired or weary, and his understanding no one can fathom. He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak. Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall; but those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint. As I thought on something to encourage you with today, I came across this scripture and thought this is what I need, “renewed strength” and thought you may also. This “Renew” has the meaning put on afresh. Even to keep putting on fresh or new strength. So let us begin our day and keep this scripture on our mind and I am sure the Lord will give a new surge of fresh strength to help you sore through the day in a wonderful way. (Believe it, receive it, enjoy it. have a great day!) Benny (3 John 1:2)

Encouragement for your day: Psalm 52 : 9) I will praise thee forever, because thou hast done it; and I will wait on thy name, for it is good before thy saints. David was living among evil times, but God had done great things for David because he trusted in God. The evil around him did not discourage him nor did it cause him to lose confidence in God. Though we live in a time of great evil, let us not despair, let us not lose confidence in the truth of God’s Word, God is good and His character is reproachable. Though we live during times of abounding evil, I encourage you to trust in God as David did, even better knowing now that He has sent Jesus to led you in to good things even for today. Praise Him for it even now! He will not fail you. (Enjoy a praising day).

Encouragement for your day: (Matthew 28:20b) “And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the world” Jesus was talking to His disciples as He sent them to fulfill a mission. Jesus promised them that He would not leave them alone, He assures them by saying, “I am with you always.” (Hebrews 13: 5) The Apostle Paul reminds the obedient follows of Jesus to be content in life for Jesus has promised He will never leave them, nor forsake them. I believe that promise is to all today that are faithful followers of Jesus. What a joy it is to know that we are never alone, that the Lord’s presence is always with us. His presence gives strength and guidance for your daily life. His presence means protection, because we are never out of His sight or supervision. His presence means you have peace. His presence also means power. It is a privilege to walk in the presence of the Lord, to experience His peace, His protection, His guidance, His power. Today may you experience the very presence of the Lord Jesus as you enjoy His peace and protection, as by His power He guides you and gives you strength to have victory in and over all things! (Believe His promise, enjoy your day walking in His presence.). (Benny, 3 John 1:2)

Encouragement for your day: (Jeremiah 29:11) For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the Lord, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end. Jeremiah was writing to God’s people who were living in Babylon captivity, life had beaten them down, and they might have been thinking that God had abandoned them. Jeremiah writes to them and assures them that God has not forgotten them and He has a wonderful plan for them. Likewise life can beat you down with trials, sorrows and debilitating worries when it seems hopeless, but I am here to tell you that God has a wonderful plan for your future. The words, “expected end” is a beautiful picture of an incredible future, and your future starts right now. (Believe it, Expect it, Enjoy it.)

Encouragement for your day: “God promises To Guide Us.” Psalm 32:8 I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you with my eye upon you. God has promised to instruct, teach, and guide His people The promised is for those who diligently seek and focus on God. This is a great blessing that comes from being forgiven and having fellowship with God through the Lord Jesus. It is so good to know that God is watching over the believers and He will guide them. My prayer for you today is that as you focus on the Lord God, He will guide you in such a wonderful way that you will experience peace and joy all day long. Benny (3 John 1:2)

Encouragement for your day: (John 14:28) Ye have heard how I said unto you, I go away, and come again unto you. If ye loved me, ye would rejoice, because I said, I go unto the Father: for my Father is greater than I. Jesus said, “if you loved Me, you would rejoice:” This was hard for the disciples to believe; but Jesus’ departure really was best. It was best for Jesus, best for the disciples, and best for the world. It is best for you. Jesus wants the disciples to realize this, and so says, “If you loved Me, you would rejoice” at His return to God the Father. Jesus was limited while He was on earth. He could only react to those He came in contact with but now that He s returned to the Father He has sent the Holy Spirit to live in the lives of all believers. The Holy Spirit is ever present to comfort, to encourage, to guide in the good things to come. Might you be encouraged and comforted by the fact that Jesus through His Holy Spirit will guide you to good things today! “Love Jesus, enjoy the good things He sends your way day by day.” I know that He is going to send you something special today, for you are very special person to Him. Benny (3 John 1:2)

Encouragement for your day: (Isaiah 40:31) But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles. They will run and not be weary. They will walk and not faint. More often than we would like, life seems so difficult, even for God’s people and we are tempted to think that God is not with us. But I am reminded of the examples of God’s people in the Old Testament as they place their trust in the Lord God and find that He is faithful. He does give strength to those that wait upon Him. I think of the victory of Israel over the Egyptians and God’s help as they journey through the wilderness and as they take over the Promised Land. Often they had to wait on the Lord God. Think about waiting on the Lord in this way. Here is a patient in the hospital. He or she knows if they get the medicine they need they will get better. So they wait, they desire that the doctor will hurry up and give them that medicine so that they would recover their strength. So it is when we are weak in whatever area of life it may be, we want the Lord to come and give us His strength, for we know He is the source of the needed strength. Whatever area in your life that you are weak and waiting for the Lord to strengthen you in I pray that today the Lord will bless you with strength to take flight as on wings of the eagles, that you may soar above any difficulty that stands in your way of experiencing the joy of the Lord. (Those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength!) Enjoy you day soaring with Jesus. Benny (3 John 1:2)

Encouragement for your day: (Psalm 145:18) The Lord is near to all who call on Him, to all who call on Him in truth. When life throws more at you then you can handle, and you feel beaten down, you might even begin to feel worthless, you may even feel alone at times, but I wish to remind you that God loves you and He is always near and you can call on Him for you are very special to Him. In fact you are special to many people, more than you realize, but you are more special to God than silver or gold, and He has a special plan for you today, “enjoy it”. Benny (3 John 2:1)

Encouragement for your day: You can succeed! (Joshua 1:8) This book of the law shall not depart out of thy mouth; but thou shalt meditate therein day and night, that thou mayest observe to do according to all that is written therein: for then thou shalt make thy way prosperous, and then thou shalt have good success. It has been said that “success comes in cans, not cannot’s” Joshua must take great care to observe the law. God’s word and Joshua’s commitment to it would be the pillars supporting his success. God’s Word so lived is a guarantee of Christian success. Not that it promises a life without problems, but it does insure a life able to deal with anything, because it takes full advantage of God’s presence and promises. (John 15:7) Jesus said, “If you abide in Me, and My words abide in you, ye shall ask what ye will and it shall be done unto you.” (Joshua 1:5) Reminds us that Joshua’s success did not depend solely on his ability to keep God’s Word. It depended even more on God’s presence with him. My encouragement to you is, abide as close to the word of the Lord Jesus as you can and be assured the He is ever present with you and you can have a successful day, “Enjoy your day, in His presents.” Benny (3 John 1:2)

Encouragement for your day! (1 Corinthians 15:20) The Apostle Paul says, “But now is Christ risen from the dead” There are a lot of things in this life.I do not believe But there is one thing that I believe above everything else that I do believe, and that is Jesus lived, died, and rose from the dead and He did it for you and me. The resurrection proves without a shadow of doubt God’s love for mankind and He has a wonderful plan for all who love Him. Many people miss out on the good things of God because they don’t believe it or expect it is for them. But I believe He has a wonderful plan for you today. Don’t miss out on it. Jesus lived, died, and rose from the dead so that you could have good days here and hereafter. Believe it, expect it and enjoy it all day long! Benny (3 John 1:2)

Encouragement for your day: "Wonderful Hope" (Psalm 71.5), ''For You are my hope, O Lord GOD; You are my trust from my youth.'' This weekend we will be celebrating the resurrection of Jesus. It is the resurrection of Jesus that gives us help for today, hope for tomorrow and assurance of hereafter. I am not talking about a hope so kind of hope, I am talking about a real know so kind of hope. The empty tomb gives us hope of forgiveness, the hope of peace, the hope of assurance and the hope of Heaven. That hope is centered in Jesus Christ. With your hope in the resurrection of Jesus, you can make it, today, tomorrow and to the eternal joy of the Lord. I hope today is the day that you had hoped it to be, “Enjoy it” Benny (3 John 1:2)

Encouragement for you day: "The relief of guilt by Confession (1 John 1:9)" “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” (1 John 1:9) The Bibles says, "All have sinned." So that means you and I have sinned. we are guilty in some way of disobedience to what God would have us to do. And that guilt tends to hinder our lives if not confessed. But isn't it great to know that God has loved you and provided a way of relief from the guilt of sin, we find complete cleansing as we confess our sins because Jesus was willing to give His life a ransom for many by dying on the old rugged cross, paying the penalty for sin. The Bible says in (1 John 1:7), “… the blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanses us from all sin.” So don't let guilt of sin ruin your day, confess it to the Father in the name of Jesus, and let the Lord give you victory over any difficult you may face, filling your day with blessings of peace and joy so you can experience the wonderful plans the Lord has for your day! Benny (3 John 1:2)

Encouragement for your day. (1 Peter 1:3) Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, which according to his abundant mercy hath begotten us again unto a lively hope by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead. In a couple of weeks we will be celebrating what the world calls "Easter Sunday". But most Christians call it "Resurrection Sunday." Some people want to believe that this hope by the resurrection which Peter talks about refers only to eternal life, but I believe it also refers to the life we live here and now. I believe the resurrection of Jesus gives hope and purpose for this life also The resurrection doesn't promise us to be free from from the problems of this life, it doesn't keep you from being sick, but the resurrection power of God that raise Jesus from the tomb, that same resurrection power that gave Jesus victory over death to life has the power that can help you to have victory in your life here and now, today. So my encouragement to you is, walk in the resurrection power of Jesus and enjoy your day! Benny (3 John 1:2)

Encouragement for your day: Facing the unexpected! Matthew chapter 9 and Luke chapter 8: Some times when your day is going about the way you had planned and you are getting done what you had hope to accomplish and right in the middle of the day you get word of something that you least expect, and it hits like a rock, and your heart becomes so heavy you nearly drop, what do you do? That was my day yesterday. But the holy Spirit gave me strength and encouraged me with the words of a certain ruler by the name of named Jairus as he came to Jesus saying, "Jesus, my daughter is very ill come dear Jesus and heal my daughter' sickness." Jesus said to him, "Fear not, believe only, and she shall be made whole." I believed Jesus' words and ask as Jairus did, trusting the Lord to bring healing to our daughter, as I used the words of Jairus, believing He would raise our daughter from her bed of pain and sickness also. Last night as I read from Matthew 9 and Luke 8, and seen during His busy day Jesus not only healed Jairus' daughter, He healed a woman of an issue of blood, He gave sight to two blind men. He healed a man sick of palsy. In fact He went about healing every sickness and every disease among the people. I pray that your day goes without any unexpected interruption, but if you are faced with something unexpected, believe in Jesus, He deals lovingly and kindly with the unexpected. This morning I am trusting to hear good news concerning our daughter because I believe in the love of Jesus and His healing power. "Have a great day!" Benny (3 John 1:2)

Encouragement for your day: "How is your spiritual health?" (1 Peter 2:2) Peter says, "As newborn babes, desire the sincere milk of the Word, that ye may grow thereby." A healthy new baby has an instinctive yearning for its mother’s milk. When things are right, you don’t have to tell it to want the milk. You don't force it on them, they will cry out for it. Just as a newborn babes needs fresh, pure, wholesome milk Daily to grow strong and healthy toward maturity. The word of God is necessary for the growth of a Christian. If a newborn baby was fed only once a week, it would soon grow physically weak and die. Should a Christian feed on the word of God only once a week he or she would not be very spiritual strong. You see, Sunday worship is just to whet your appetite. If you don’t learn how to feed yourself the Word of God during the week, you will never grow. You’ll be sick and weak spiritually. So to be spiritually strong, to overcome the ways of the world that will drag you down and defeat you. I encourage you to dig into the abundant nourishment of God’s Word. It will be a healthy source of strength that will give you victory over the ills of the world and a source of great joy for your day! Benny (3 John 1:2)

Encouragement for your day. (Psalm 118:24) This is the day which the LORD hath made; we will rejoice and be glad in it. Someone has said that life is 10 percent of what happens to us and 90 percent how we respond to it. The longer I live the more I believe that to be true. The decisions I make day by day has a great impact on my attitude. Today is more important to me than my yesterdays. I like what the Apostle Paul says in (Philippians4:11-12) "...I have learned, whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content. I know both how to be abased, and I know how to abound, everywhere and in all things I am instructed to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need." Paul is saying, however his life is, it is his attitude keeps him going or keeps him from progressing. So it is I have decided whether I have much or I have little, whether people think good of me,or bad about me, whether I fail or succeed, whatever my position is in life, I will not let my circumstances determine my attitude about life. The song says,"There is no mountain to high to climb,no river to wide to cross. So today I am determined to scale every mountain that looms before me, I am going to surfboard over every wave that flows my way, for the Lord has made today, for me to rejoice and be glade in. Be very sure, with the right attitude you will see and enjoy the goodness of God in a new way. ENJOY YOUR DAY! Benny (3John 1:2)

Encouragement for your day. He who stills the storms! Luke 8:24 ,,,,,Then He(Jesus) arose, and rebuked the wind and the raging of the water: and they ceased, and there was a calm. When we awoke Wednesday we were in the midst of a terrible storm. The rain was pouring and the wind was tossing things across the yard. My mind quickly turned to the story recorded in the eighth chapter of Luke. Jesus and His disciple were crossing the lake and suddenly a terrible storm arose. The disciple feared they might perish, cried out to Jesus. Jesus arose, rebuked the storm and it become calm. A little later in the day after the storm had past and the sun begin to shine, I thought life is somewhat like that. We can be sailing along, life seem quiet and peaceful, and suddenly, out of nowhere we are caught up in a storm. Sometime storms of life are brought on by our own stupidity or our sin. Sometimes they are caused by ones own bad decisions. They may be caused by the actions of someone else. At times they just seem to happen and we have no idea why. But no matter what storms come up in our lives, we can call on Jesus. He who stills the storms. My prayer for you today is that you might enjoy a bright sunshiny day, but should a storm arise, "look unto Jesus" He will roll the clouds away. So enjoy your day in God's Son. Benny (3John1:2)

Encouragement for your day: We read in the book of Deuteronomy 1:19, that the people of Israel came to a place called Kadesh Barnea. This was just across the river Jordan from the wonderful land that God had promised them. Instead of going on in and conquering and enjoying the bountiful land they trifled at Kadish-Barnea. Kadish-Barnea should have been a place of victory for them, but it became a place of hesitation. They stood at the border of that which God had promised yet hesitated to go forward, and instead settled down in the wilderness. At Kadish-Barnea they were missing the blessings of Canaan Land. I fear that many people today fail to experience what God has promised, spiritually, physically, and materially, simply because they look at the unrest of the world and become discouraged and feel defeated. I have to agree that we are living in a wilderness world, but we are also standing at the border of greatness. Let me remind you that our God is a great God. He has great things in store for you today So let me encourage you to not hesitate, don’t settle down at Kadish-Barnea, move forward. If there is a Jordan before you, cross over, spend the day in Canaan Land, it’s full of God’ goodness. ENJOY IT! Benny (3 John 1:2)

Encouragement for your day. (Matthew 6:26) Behold the fowls of the air, for they sow not, neither do the reap, nor gather into barns, yet your Heavenly Father feedeth them, Are ye not much better then they? As we watch the birds out on our patio door early in the morning, I am reminded of this verse in Matthew. Even though we put out feed for them it is only to attract them so we can enjoy them. The birds of so many different colors or so petty to watch, it reminds me that we really don't have to feed them for Jesus said, "God feeds them and cares for them." And it reminds me of how much He care for us. So as you go through the day I want to encourage you to keep on your mind and rejoice in your heart the truth the the Heavenly Father really, really cares for you. He cared so much He sent His ony Son, Jesus, to be not only our Savior, but to be our daily companion to help us through the rough times of life and help us enjoy all that He has created for our enjoyment. So I pray that you will enjoy all He has in store for you today remembering that He really cares for you. Benny (3 John 1:2)

Encouragement for your day. (Proverbs 8:35) For whoso ever findeth me findeth life, and shall obtain favour of the Lord. (KJV). As I was reading my Proverbs for the day yesterday verse 35 jumped off the page to me. And it brought to mind how great God is. Not because the Bible says so, but because of the wonderful things I have experienced in my life. I like many others, and maybe you have as well, have experienced some difficult times of life, but the Lord has brought me through them. It is so wonderful how the Lord God can move in our lives to show that He really cares for our well being. He has demonstrated that, not only in big things, but also in every little thing likewise. I once again see that so plain as He has and is helping my wife and I get through her operation. I am so thankful He really cares for us and I know He cares for you. My prayer for you is what ever you must go through today as you "Look unto Jesus" might He grant you victory and great joy. amen. Benny (3 John 1:2)

Encouragement for your day; I don't know who Anne Frank is, but Anne Frank said, "Everyone has inside them a piece of good news. The good news is you don't know how great you can be! How much you can love! What you can accomplish! And what your potential is," I do know who the Apostle Paul is. And he put it this way in (Philippians 4:13) The Apostle Paul said, "I can do all things through Christ which strengthens me." My prayer for you today is that Christ Jesus would strengthen you so that you will accomplish your full potential. And may the love you have within come forth and touch everyone you come in contact with and make it a great day for both you and them. Benny (3 John 1:2)

(Genesis 1:16) And God made two lights, the greater light to rule the day, and the lesser light to rule the night, and He made the stars also. When the sun and moon are still there to see, then there is always a new day for you and me. As you go forth in this new day "Looking unto Jesus" He will bring people into your life that will make you happy and feel important, for you really are. In fact you are more than important to God, in Christ Jesus you are very special to Him, and that is why He is going to make this a happy day for you. ENJOY IT! Benny (3 John 1::2)

Encouragement for your day:

(Colossions 3:1-2) If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God. Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth.

Well, here we are, getting ready to step through the door of a new year.

Do we need to take inventory of what did and didn't take place in 2017? What kind of a year was it for you? Do you need to make some changes to have a more profitable year in the Lord?

As Christians, we need to stop at the end of the year and measure our progress. Sometime this is a very painful thing to do. But that is what I have to do.

I believe the end of the year is a good time to pause and take inventory our lives and ask myself, Did I seek those things which are from above? Or was my mind more tuned in on the things of the earth?

In 2017, Did I seek a deeper knowledge of Jesus? Did I seek to live a clean and holy life? In all that I did and all I participated in, was I honoring God? In my social life, in my spiritual life, was I pleasing to the Lord? Was my prayer life effective? In my witness, was I a fruitful witness for Jesus,?

May you and I listen to the voice of the Lord and make any necessary changes in our lives so that 2018 will be a fruitful year unto the Lord. As we set our affection on things above, as we give attention to the Heavenly things we will bring honor to the Lord God. In doing so you will experience blessings beyond your imagination,

Looking forward to a great year in the joy of the Lord!

Benny (3 John 1:2)