ENCOURAGE GREATNESS

Have you thanked Him?

Have you praised Him?

Have you made it your priority to agree and cooperate with Him today?

Have you taken that deep breath and listened for what He has for you today?

1 Timothy 2:1 (The Message)

^1-3The first thing I want you to do is pray. Pray every way you know how, for everyone you know.

“Keep away from people who try to belittle your ambitions. Small people always do that, but the really great make you feel that you, too, can become great.” ― Mark Twain

Are you an encourager?

Do you look for ways to positively impact the lives of others?

Do you strive to “believe the best” in people; seeking ways to lift them up?

Didn’t know if you knew this, but that is what Christians do.

2 Corinthians 13:11, Hebrews 3:13, 1 Thessalonians 4:18 are a few little “encouragements to be encouragers”

Along with this one…

1 Thessalonians 5:11

Therefore encourage one another and build each other up…

Yet sadly, our culture would rather glorify the “put down”, the “Oh no he/she didn’t” and the criticism.  It’s more entertaining.

Folks would rather throw rocks at someone (and no I am not talking about Baltimore) rather than share THE ROCK with the hurting or down.

So today the DISPATCH message is simple.

I want to “encourage” the “encourager” in us.

I want all of us to ask God to help us to be more sensitive to the needs of others, to seek his wisdom to learn how to encourage those around us.

Sometimes it takes a listening ear—just showing we care by really listening to what they have to say. They might have a problem or an idea they are hesitant to move ahead with and allowing them to unpack it might make the difference between success or continued perceived failure.  They may be facing some special challenge and knowing that someone values them enough to listen and offer time can be an encouragement.

Perhaps they need words of encouragement.

Nothing can be more encouraging than God's Word, shared from a loving heart.

Romans 14:19
So let's agree to use all our energy in getting along with each other. Help others with encouraging words; don't drag them down by finding fault.

Maybe they need us to show our faith in them with an action. As we prayerfully approach them, God will guide.

I say it a lot. 

The walk is challenge enough.  It sure doesn’t need the extra burden of criticism, jealousy and gossip weighing it down.

And that sort of thing certainly doesn’t align with GOD.

Ephesians 4:31(NIV)

Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice.

Today, do as GOD instructs!

Hebrews 10:24 (NIV)

…think of ways to motivate one another to acts of love and good works.

Proverbs 12:25 (NLT)
…an encouraging word cheers a person up.

I love you all.

Have a blessed day.

Freedom Church

EMPOWERED

Have you thanked Him?

Have you praised Him?

Have you made it your priority to agree and cooperate with Him today?

Have you taken that deep breath and listened for what He has for you today?

1 Timothy 2:1 (The Message)

1-3The first thing I want you to do is pray. Pray every way you know how, for everyone you know.

Psalm 18:30-33 (LB)

What a God he is! How perfect in every way! All his promises prove true. He is a shield for everyone who hides behind him. For who is God except our Lord? Who but he is as a rock? He fills me with strength and protects me wherever I go. He gives me the surefootedness of a mountain goat upon the crags. He leads me safely along the top of the cliffs. He prepares me for battle and gives me strength…

I was drawn to that verse last night by one of the leaders of something called GENERATION PULSE.  (https://www.facebook.com/generationpulseministries)

It is a group of motivated, Christ serving and focused young adults seeking to EMPOWER other young adults for CHRIST and change!  (My definition).

And no, I am not a young adult by any stretch and yes I raised the overall MEAN age of the gathering substantially, but I went to “learn” what made this generation of “change-agents” "pulse if you will.  

I confirmed that they are conversationalists desperate for trans-formative ones.  They are passionate seekers of purpose and are thoughtful “listeners” of their individual and collective spirits.  I was inspired by what I saw and heard.  

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I am ENCOURAGED and ENTHUSIASTIC about partnering with them in the future!

But back to that verse from Psalms 18...

Unpack that passage just a little this morning as you prepare for your day.  

Let it EMPOWER you!

Friends, GOD’s promises ARE true today.  

Therefore today has been crafted for your good (Romans 8).

GOD has equipped you for anything (Philippians 4:13) and has not measured out more than you can take today. (1 Corinthians 10).

GOD has committed to protecting you today; to be your shield, so what or whom should you fear?

GOD is committed to keeping your footing steady and safe as you traverse that "craggy" path ahead.

GOD is and will continuously prepare you for what lies ahead today. He is in today’s fight with you.

Therefore be empowered!

Deuteronomy 31:6

“Be strong. Take courage. Don’t be intimidated. Don’t give them a second thought because God, your God, is striding ahead of you. He’s right there with you. He won’t let you down; he won’t leave you.”

Far too many times as the GP leaders reminded last night we look at the enormity of our challenges, problems and possibilities forgetting the enormity power and promise of OUR GOD.

Don’t do that today!

Be empowered by GOD’s promises!  Be empowered by HIS protection.  Be empowered by HIS strength and provision!

Remember...

Romans 8:31

…If God is for (YOU), who can be against (YOU)?

Take on today!

I love you all.

And pray for GENERATION PULSE!

PROMISES

Have you thanked Him?

Have you praised Him?

Have you made it your priority to agree and cooperate with Him today?

Have you taken that deep breath and listened for what He has for you today?

1 Timothy 2:1 (The Message)

1-3The first thing I want you to do is pray. Pray every way you know how, for everyone you know.

...It is possible for you to do whatever you choose, if you first get to know who you are and are willing to work with a power that is greater than ourselves to do it. — Ella Wheeler Wilcox

SO today...

...let’s do it—full of belief, confident that we’re presentable inside and out. Let’s keep a firm grip on the promises that keep us going. He (GOD) always keeps his word. Let’s see how inventive we can be in encouraging love and helping out...(Hebrews 10:23 MSG)

Last night my brother “Hug” opened his big heart and shared his powerful testimony.  It was a testimony that ENCOURAGED and showed incredible courage.  But as he shared it was EVIDENT.  The PROMISES of the WORD have changed him from the INSIDE OUT and THEY are keeping HIM going just as the writer of HEBREWS said they would!

You see, GOD has taken a man who has suffered at the hands of years of abuse, a man who sought relief in the abyss of on-line pornographic addiction and gambling and through his Word has made him now presentable and most certainly encouraging! Now instead of being consumed by the temptations of the "on-line world", "Hug" daily uses it to share and encourage others in the promises of GOD.

(That is scripture coming to life my friends!)

What promises you ask?

Promises that remind us that we HAVE power over our enemies! (Luke 10)

Promises that remind us that GOD never leaves us or forsakes us. (Hebrews 13)

Promises that we have a GOD who is FOREVER FOR US! (Romans 8); a GOD who heals the broken-hearted and sets the captive FREE!

1 Timothy 2:4-7 (MSG)

He wants…everyone saved, you know, everyone to get to know the truth we’ve learned: that there’s one God and only one…—Jesus, who offered himself in exchange for everyone held captive by sin, to set them all free.

My friend HUNGERS and THIRSTS for the promises of GOD.  He daily consumes them and then he shares them on social media to hundreds of folks!

Need a couple more?

The promise that GOD can be trusted! (Proverbs 3)

The promise that nothing you do EVER can separate you from Him (Romans 8)

I could go on.

But here is the take away today. GOD through His promises and the power of His Word has turned that computer that was once a deadly tool of the enemy, into one that blesses people daily with the hope and power of GOD’s Word:

And how did that happen for Hug?  It happened because once He was introduced to the LORD and His promises, He continues to want more and more of Him and them!

1 Peter 1:3-4

…as you know him (GOD) better, he will give you, through his great power, everything you need for living a truly good life: he even shares his own glory and his own goodness with us! And by that same mighty power he has given us all the other rich and wonderful blessings he promised; for instance, the promise to save us from the lust and rottenness all around us, and to give us his own character.

GOD’s promises and Word did that for my friend.

They will do the same for you today!

The question is will you let them?

Thanks Hug!

 

Have a great day!

I love you all!

Freedom Church

SPRING CLEANING

Have you thanked Him?

Have you praised Him?

Have you made it your priority to agree and cooperate with Him today?

Have you taken that deep breath and listened for what He has for you today?

1 Timothy 2:1 (The Message)

1-3The first thing I want you to do is pray. Pray every way you know how, for everyone you know.

Spring is the time for “cleaning”.  The yard, the garage, and the house projects are back on the front burner and on the little list on the fridge.

But spring may also be the perfect time to do a little “other cleaning” as well.

Are you cluttered with anxiety this morning? What about anger? Has animosity been littering your mind-scape of late? How about that pesky addiction?

Is time to do a little spring “spirit” cleaning?  

GOD has already done most of the heavy lifting!

Romans 8:2(MSG)

The Spirit of life in Christ, like a strong wind, has magnificently cleared the air, freeing you…

Thanks to JESUS, we have been FREED of the mess those negative energies and thoughts can accumulate!  And don’t stop with just those “grade A” confusions like anxiety.  For while GOD certainly will come along and clean that one up…

1 Peter 5:6-7 (NASB)

humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you at the proper time, casting all your ANXIETY on Him, because He cares for you.

…GOD will clear out those “B to Z” struggles too!

So let’s do a little spring cleaning today!

Let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles…Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith. (HEBREWS 12:1,2 NIV)

Enjoy letting Jesus help with pitching the junk!  Enjoy clearing out that cluttered mind closet!

Say to yourself today,

“I’ve had enough of negative thoughts!”

“I’ve had enough of the lies of the enemy”.

“I’ve had enough of these emotions running the show for me!”

Today is going to be different! 

I am going the allow GOD to CLEAR THE AIR as promised!

I am refusing to entertain all of that old “refuse”!

I am going to enjoy the FRESHNESS of today; the freshness of this spring season!

Psalm 19:12-13 (MSG)

Clean the slate, God, so we can start the day fresh! Keep me from stupid sins, from thinking I can take over your work; Then I can start this day sun-washed, scrubbed clean of the grime of sin.

Then you can tell others that the spring in your step is because you have done some MUCH NEEDED “Spring Cleaning”!

“Every day is a fresh start; don't measure yourself by yesterday's troubles.” - Dagny Scott Barios

Make a fresh one today!

 

I love you all!

Freedom Church

GOD'S CHOICE - 4.23 (Missed Post)

Have you thanked Him?

Have you praised Him?

Have you made it your priority to agree and cooperate with Him today?

Have you taken that deep breath and listened for what He has for you today?

1 Timothy 2:1 (The Message)

1-3The first thing I want you to do is pray. Pray every way you know how, for everyone you know.

Matthew 6:25 (ESV)

Therefore I tell you, do not be anxious about your life…

Jesus said that.

I wonder why so many of us, me included, can’t seem to heed that simple encouragement. When Jesus Himself is reminding us that the Father said…

I am with you. Do not be dismayed. I am your God. I will strengthen you; I will help you; I will uphold you…(Isaiah 41:10).

Instead we allow doubt to creep in and deafen these promises.  We let guilt about yesterday’s failings and missteps threaten us and trick us into thinking that GOD wavers like we do; trick us into thinking our performance dictates the constancy or the steadfast nature of GOD’s truths and Jesus’ decrees.

Don’t allow that to happen.  Listen to the promises of the Lord.

Maybe you have a big decision to make today.

Maybe today is “the big meeting”.

Maybe you have indeed drifted from your spiritual walk and are feeling a little exposed, isolated or fearful today. 

Those things would make anyone a little anxious.

But don’t be.  GOD has STILL got you!  GOD has ALWAYS got you!

Psalm 139:7-10 (V)

Can I go anywhere apart from Your Spirit? Is there anywhere I can go to escape Your watchful presence? If I go up into heaven, You are there. If I make my bed in the realm of the dead, You are there. If I ride on the wings of morning, if I make my home in the most isolated part of the ocean, Even then You will be there to guide me; Your right hand will embrace me, for You are always there.

And the beauty of those promises and decrees from GOD’s Word is that they are GOD’s CHOICES. 

His guidance, His “stickiness” to us, His dedication to us, and His willingness to embrace us when we have been seemingly "un-embraceable" and our success is not predicated ON US it is all predicated on His love FOR US.

Romans 8:37 (V)

...no matter what comes, we will always taste victory through Him who loved us.

You see that? No MATTER what comes.  No MATTER WHAT!

So don’t allow the enemy to confuse you about the love of or the choices of GOD.  Don’t let the enemy to plant anxious thoughts or a fearful disposition.  Don’t let the enemy cloud the truth in your heart and mind.

GOD is here today just like every day. GOD’s mercy and grace are arising and bathing you in their light and hope with the rising of the sun.  GOD’s hand is on you.  GOD has the BEST in store for us today without question.

Romans 8:28-30 (MSG)

God’s Spirit is right alongside helping us along…He knows us far better than we know ourselves… That’s why we can be so sure that every detail in our lives of love for God is worked into something good.

Remember:

He knows, He loves, He cares; Nothing this truth can dim. He gives the very best to those Who leave the choice to Him.”  ― Corrie ten Boom

 

I love you all!

Freedom Church

SPRINGBOARD

Have you thanked Him?

Have you praised Him?

Have you made it your priority to agree and cooperate with Him today?

Have you taken that deep breath and listened for what He has for you today?

1 Timothy 2:1 (The Message)

1-3The first thing I want you to do is pray. Pray every way you know how, for everyone you know.

“I refuse to be trapped in the past. I’m not going to let the past destroy my future. I’m pressing on. I’m straining forward, knowing that God has great things in store for me.” –Joel Osteen

Does your past feel like a trap sometimes?

Maybe there are those in your life who continue to look and interact with you begrudgingly for past offenses; reminding you of your past mistakes with every sneer or roll of the eyes. Maybe the consequences of the past are continuously doggin' or hamstringing you.

Sometimes it is hard to "un-tether" our “past” from our present; sometimes is even harder to keep it from anchoring us from embarking into our future.

Yet yesterday I sat across from a good friend in a meeting whose willingness to accept his past as HIS PATHWAY to his future was the key to opening a door to show others the way to freedom and possibility in Christ.

Instead of an anchor, his past was a springboard.

Instead of haunting, his past was HELPING!

“This is what the past is for! Every experience God gives us, every person He puts in our lives is the perfect preparation for the future that only He can see.” ― Corrie ten Boom

I love the HOPE in that quote.

The PAST has had purpose for all of us; even its pain.  And whether your past has been like a class or like a crucible it has prepared you for today; GOD’s today.  All GOD asks is that you BELIEVE Him when He says the PAST has been redeemed!

Hebrews 8:12 (AMP)

I will be merciful and gracious toward their sins and I will remember their deeds of unrighteousness no more.

And then look for the ways GOD desires you to leverage it!

James 1:2-3 (CEV)

…be glad, even if you have a lot of trouble. You know that you learn to endure by having your faith tested. But you must learn to endure everything, so that you will be completely mature and not lacking in anything.

GOD sees the beginning from the end with every one of us.  The journey that we are all on is one of development.  GOD doesn’t miss anything or overlook one lesson.  And we must remember that EVERYTHING that we experience is “for good” (Romans 8:28). 

Our JOB is to keep trusting.

Our JOB is to keep learning.

Our JOB is keep MAINTAINING our FAITH in GOD’s FUTURE for US.

Romans 5:1-2(Phillips)

(Faith means the certainty of God’s love, now and hereafter)

Since then it is by faith that we are justified, let us grasp the fact that we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ. Through him we have confidently entered into this new relationship of grace, and here we take our stand, in happy certainty of the glorious things he has for us in the future.

So friends your past is NOT an anchor.  It is a SPRINGBOARD! 

Trust GOD in that!

And have the FAITH for the GLORIOUS future that GOD has planned for you!

“May today there be peace within. May you trust God that you are exactly where you are meant to be. May you not forget the INFINITE POSSIBILITIES that are born of FAITH.” ― Teresa of Ávila

 

I love you all!

Have an awesome weekend!

Freedom Church