Does God Really Want You to Be Encouraged? November 12, 1990

Holidays are dangerous times of discouragement. The expectations for gladness are higher, so realities of sadness are heavier. You’re supposed to be gloomy in February; so it’s more tolerable then. But Thanksgiving and Christmas are supposed to be festive. Hence the double whammy of discouragement. May I offer some preventative medicine?

When God desired to show more convincingly to the heirs of the promise the unchangeable character of his purpose, he added an oath, so that through two unchangeable things (the promise and the oath), in which it is impossible that God should prove false, we who have fled for refuge might have strong encouragement to seize the hope set before us. (Hebrews 6:17-18)

God Will Fulfill His Purpose for You

• by Jonathan Parnell
• Topics:  The Sovereignty of God

“I cry out to God Most High, to God who fulfills his purpose for me.”

This is the straightforward truth that David clings to in Psalm 57:2.

Here he states two basic facts: God has a purpose for him and God will fulfill that purpose. Both these truths combine to become that deep and wondrous theological concept we call “providence.” The word was much more common centuries ago than it is today, though its relevancy has never waned. Its meaning captures God’s relationship to the created world, namely, that he both preserves the order of all things and guides them toward his intended end.

Providence is the sovereignty of God made palpable. It’s the outworking of his power and authority for his children in space and time, which means, in the things we schedule, the air we breathe, the moments we move. Providence is observed, experienced, tasted. We may even say it’s the distinctively Christian term for reality.

Since God is sovereign, and this world is his, then every moment, in a sense, is a moment of providence. Wherever you find yourself right now has come by the process of events he ordained. Every past moment of your life has led to your now. The same will be true tonight, and tomorrow, and ten years in the future. Our experience of providence is our experience of the present, which we know has been wondrously woven together by God.

And because God is behind it all, we, as those united to Christ by faith, are assured of this: God’s providence neither gets it wrong nor lets us go, ever.

 

Guarantee

I am sure that at some point in your life you have come across an item that has had a guarantee. A guarantee sounds like a good thing. Cars have them so that you can drive up to a certain mileage and you’re covered no matter what or even a new appliance can be covered for the first few years and even beyond that you can get an extended warranty.

These things are great because they are covered. Did you know you are covered by a guarantee? Jesus shed His blood so that you could have everlasting life. Now that’s a real guarantee! No matter what you have done or where you have gone Jesus is willing to cover you because He paid a debt that no of us could ever pay or repay. Sometimes it sounds too good to be true. All you really have to do is truly want a relationship with the one who loved you before time. Confess He is Lord and admit that the sin you carry no longer belongs to you.

What a great thing to know that our heavenly father sees so much value in each one of us that He was willing to guarantee a place to be with Him forever. The greatest thing for me is knowing that this guarantee was not just meant for us as Christians but the hurt, lost, the drug addict, the alcoholic, and even the murderer. Just look at Noah who liked to drink God still had a plan for even better look at Saul who killed Christians became one of the greatest men to preach the gospel.

Just know that in and through Christ you have a guarantee they will last every storm every circumstance.
The only thing that can void this guarantee is you. So let the Lord of host be your sure thing.

Thanks (^_^)

Ocha Samohito

A Tandem Ride With God

I used to think of God as my observer, my judge, keeping track of the things I did wrong, so as to know whether I merited heaven or hell when I die. He was out there, sort of like a president. I recognized His picture when I saw it, but I didn't really know Him.

But later on, when I met Jesus, it seemed as though life was rather like a bike, but it was a tandem bike, and I noticed that Jesus was in the back helping me pedal. I didn't know just when it was He suggested we change, but life has not been the same since I took the back-seat to Jesus, my Lord. He makes life exciting. When I had control, I thought I knew the way. It was rather boring, but predictable. It was the shortest distance between two points.

But when He took the lead, He knew delightful long cuts, up mountains, and through rocky places and at break-through speeds; it was all I could do to hang on! Even though it often looked like madness, He said, "Pedal!" I was worried and anxious and asked, "Where are you taking me?" He laughed and didn't answer and I started to learn to trust. I forgot my boring life and entered into adventure. And when I'd say, "I'm scared", He'd lean back and touch my hand.

He took me to people with gifts that I needed, gifts of healing, acceptance and joy. They gave me their gifts to take on my journey, our journey, my Lord's and mine. And we were off again. He said, "Give the gifts away; they're extra baggage, too much weight." So I did, to the people we met, and I found in giving I received, and still our burden was light.

I did not trust Him, at first, in control of my life. I thought He'd wreck it, but He knows bike secrets, knows how to make it bend to take sharp corners, jump to clear high rocks, fly to shorten scary passages. And I am learning to shut up and pedal in the strangest places, and I'm beginning to enjoy the view and the cool breeze on my face with my delightful constant companion, Jesus.

And when I'm sure I just can't do any more, He just smiles and says... "Pedal."

-------------------------

Keep pedaling despite your fears. God knows all the bumps in the road, and, although you falter and even wipe out, His grace surrounds you to the end.

Remember God's promise through His Word... II 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 Christ may rest upon me."

[repost: unknown author]

Thanks (^_^)

Ocha Samohito

Do not let your worries steal your Peace

 I stumbles on my old post notes, seems like God reminding me not to worries about our needs in life.. Be at peace,for God says.. I am your Jehovah Jireh_The Lord your Provider♥
-Just wanting to share, may this testimoy of mine will give motivation and encouragement to all, keep yor eyes with Jesus and be blessed for God Is Good all the time! - Jackie

Last few days I been tormented in so much difficulties in life, while I am trying to cope it up make a solutions in everything, only to ended up frustrated, exhausted more troubled.
There at at night, I prayed meditated God's words_ then I heard the sudden small voice of our Lord speaking through my spirit. “My daughter do not put yourself in situation that is impossible for you to resolve, do not let your worries for them to steal your peace, I am Here, Be still, Pray, pray…

Pray without ceasing, you cannot save those people you loved, BUT I CAN!.. Pray my daughter be earnestly prayed for them and it will be given.”
God made me realized that it is impossible for me to get off myself to situation that I been through, nor for them, the circumstances that been thru now.

God is a living God, he is a Just. People who cling their life and faith in him will never been forsaken. He is FAITHFUL, we have the right to be calm and be at peace not because we deserve it, but because the Love of God abides in us_ God Loves us.

Thanks (^_^)

Ocha Samohito

The Great Father

Many of us born with a father beside them and there are some who never met their father in their lifetime. My letter for today is about knowing God as the Great Father. I remember in my teenage life there are times when I’ve felt abandoned and left alone by my father. There are experiences and situations that though my father is near and yet he’s so far away. I guess many of us felt and experienced the same way too. But good thing my father did not throw me in the garbage can or else I will end up as a garbage man. Kidding aside, I know there are times when we ask the question “WHY”. But going back with my life I realized there is another Father who loves us and cared for us for a very long time. He said in Psalms that He knit us in our mother’s womb. He even knows how many bones we have or our hair. He knows whose parents we will have. And he is God....

John said for God so loved the world, God loved us. He sent His begotten Son that whoever believes in Him will have Eternal life. That is the love of the Father our God to us. He even gave and sacrificed His Son for us. That we may become co heirs of Christ, brothers.

I myself experienced how great He is as a Father and I see it in everyday of my life. I am a back slider Christian a long ago, loses my faith and run away from God.

God’s perfect timing.

2 Peter 3:8 

" But do not overlook this one fact, beloved, that with the Lord one day is as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day. "

Have your dreams been delayed? Or are you unemployed for a long time and it’s hard looking for a job. Do you pray for something and it doesn’t come yet and you are tired of waiting? Sometimes we push things on our own strength and sometimes we are almost there and suddenly everything is messed up. My letter for today is about waiting for the perfect timing of God. When we are still a child we don’t like waiting when we ask for something or we get mad when our mother insist to buy the toy that we want. Because we like the short cut way of life. Living in a modern life where everything is short cut and sad but true life also runs in short cut.

The Lord say’s in Psalms 1: I waited patiently for the LORD; he turned to me and heard my cry.
2: He lifted me out of the slimy pit, out of the mud and mire; he set my feet on a rock and gave me a firm place to stand. 3: He put a new song in my mouth, a hymn of praise to our God.

Many will see and fear the LORD and put their trust in him.
God is in control. Yes He is. If we put our faith and believe, release all the doubts and put your trust in God. Sometimes we ask God but we doubt apostle James said that those who ask but doubt will be given nothing for if we ask we must believe that is faith in God. God wants us to believe. Recently I have a trouble, a difficult situation. 

10 Steps to Avoid Backsliding

The Christian life is not always an easy road. Sometimes we get off track. The Bible says to encourage your brothers and sisters in Christ daily so that no one turns away from the living God. If you have found yourself backsliding, or drifting away from the Lord, these practical steps will help get you back on course today.
Time Required: A Lifetime

Here's How:

1.Examine your faith-life regularly.

Examine yourselves to see whether you are in the faith; test yourselves. Do you not realize that Christ Jesus is in you—unless, of course, you fail the test?
2 Corinthians 13:5 (NIV)
2.If you find yourself drifting away, turn back immediately.
See to it, brothers, that none of you has a sinful, unbelieving heart that turns away from the living God. But encourage one another daily, as long as it is called Today, so that none of you may be hardened by sin's deceitfulness.
Hebrews 3:12-13 (NIV)
 3.Come to God daily for forgiveness and cleansing.
If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.
1 John 1:9 (NIV)
Blessed are those who wash their robes, that they may have the right to the tree of life and may go through the gates into the city.
Revelation 22:14 (NIV)

CRIMES OF THE HEART

Crimes of the heart cause us great injury. Hurt feelings, harsh words, nasty misunderstandings leave deep imprints in our minds and hearts. We dwell on the cruel and unkind violations against us. Letting go of anger about things that have occurred in the past is difficult and sometimes feels insurmountable. We get stuck and hold on to our anger, and the wounds grow deeper and fester. The pain keeps us from finding peace within ourselves. When is it time to let go? 

 It is time to let go when holding on to the anger no longer serves us. When carrying the burden of our anger keeps us from moving in the direction of our ideals. When the anger keeps us from growing and becoming the person we seek to be. How do we begin?
We begin by letting go. Just letting go. We begin by no longer allowing ourselves to dwell on the negative and relive the injustices. We focus on recovering from the injury. We recover by surrounding ourselves with loved ones we can trust and by moving on. Forgiveness comes much later.Finding peace within ourselves doesn't mean we forget about the crimes. Rather, it means we choose to release them. To learn to live and love in a place where past grievances no longer touch us deeply brings wisdom. A life where harmony resides.

Thanks (^_^)

Ocha Samohito

God Heard Your Prayer

This is God's immediate and sure answer to Hezekiah's prayer for healing: "I have heard your prayer; I have seen your tears. Behold, I will heal you."

Sometimes, however, when we pray for healing, the answer doesn't come, or at least that's how it seems. We can be confident that God sees our tears and hears our prayers, but the problem enters when we don't believe he's answered.

I assert that God answers every sincere prayer. In fact, I would even state that there is no such thing as an unanswered prayer. He just doesn't always answer in the way we expect. Sometimes the answer is wait. We won't always get an immediate response like Hezekiah. And sometimes God has something else—something better—that he's working out, and the answer we seek is not the answer we truly need. If we're patient, if we wait and trust, in time we'll see that God has heard our prayer, he's seen our tears, and he has answered.

Thanks (^_^)

Ocha Samohito

A BROKEN HEART

We have all had are hearts broken at least once in our lives. There has been that one person that we have loved with all our heart and has not returned that love. When you wake up to that reality you feel like your world has shattered. You feel like you will never love that way again. He/She is all you think of and becomes your world. It feels like you will never love that way again. You ask yourself why is this happening to me? Am I not good enough? What's wrong with me?

Then, as time goes by, you get the answers to your questions. You begin to realize that it all happened for a reason. You realize the he/she is not the one for you. The more you analyze the person you begin to see the differences. You realize that you don't know that person like you thought you did and they don't know you. Then comes the understanding that you deserve someone who will love, cherish, appreciate you and never take you for granted.

12 Signs of a Healthy Faith-Life

 How fit is your faith? Do you need a spiritual check-up?

If you sense something might be wrong in your spiritual life, perhaps it's time to examine your Christian walk. Here are 12 signs of a healthy faith-life.

1.Your faith is based on a relationship with God, not religious obligations and rituals. You follow Christ because you want to, not because you have to. Your relationship with Jesus flows naturally out of love. It is not forced or driven by guilt. (1 John 4:7-18; Hebrews 10:19-22.)

2.Your sense of security and significance is centered on God and who you are in Christ, not on others or your accomplishments. (1 Thessalonians 2:1-6; Ephesians 6:6-7.)

3.Your faith in God is strengthened as you walk through life's troubles, trials and painful experiences, not weakened or destroyed. (1 Peter 4:12-13; James 1:2-4.)

You' are not alone

At times like these it's hard to find the right words to say,
And I know that words alone won't take the pain away.
But, I know a man who sits high, and looks low,
And He is saying, "My child, you're not alone."

He is saying, "I love you and I am concerned about you,
And all the pain and hurt that you are going through."
He is saying, "Lean on me, I will be your comfort through this time.
And although it’s dark now, the sun again will shine."

Even though it’s hard to see through tears that you now cry,
Just know that there will come a day when your tears, He will dry.
And though words alone won’t ease the pain that you now feel,
Just know that in time, your heart, He will heal.

I pray that God will give you peace, and strength in your heart
As He holds you in His arms, and from you, He won’t depart.
May you always be encouraged, may you ever hold on.
And remember, "My child, you're not alone.

Thanks (^_^)

Ocha Samohito

Nick Vujicic on Why God Made Him Limbless

This article was blessed and inspired me..^_^. I love to share it to other people who read my blog.

sourced from : www.christianpost.com/news/nick-vujicic-on-why-god-made-him-limbless-80996
Evangelist Nick Vujicic, who spoke at Saddleback Church in Calif. on Sunday, was born with neither arms nor legs, and questioned God for eight years why it was so. The answer changed his life, and through him that of tens of thousands of others.

Nick Vujicic, a man born without arms or legs, is the author of the new book Life Without Limits: Inspiration for a Ridiculously Good Life.

For the now 30-year-old Nick, founding president and CEO of the nonprofit organization Life Without Limbs, the most important thing in life was to understand why God made him without arms and legs.
Speaking at Pastor Rick Warren's church in Lake Forest on Sunday evening, the inspirational speaker said he spent eight years asking God, "Why? Why was I born this way? I don't understand how can You say You love me when You allow me to stay in this pain."

5 Traits of True Christian Friends

So, what does a true Christian friendship look like? Let's break it down into traits that are easy to identify.

1. Christian Friends Love Sacrificially

John 15:13
Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends. (NIV)

Jesus is the finest example of a true Christian friend. His love for us is sacrificial, never selfish. He demonstrated it not only through his miracles of healing, but more fully through the humble service of washing the disciples' feet, and then ultimately, when he laid down his life on the cross.

If we choose our friends based only on what they have to offer, we'll rarely discover the blessings of a genuine friendship.

 Philippians 2:3 says, "Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves." By valuing your friend's needs above your own, you'll be on your way to loving like Jesus. In the process, you'll likely gain a true friend.

2. Christian Friends Accept Unconditionally

Proverbs 17:17
A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for adversity. (NIV)

Lying on God's Couch; Loneliness Therapy for Christian Singles

 Have you ever felt that nobody understands what you’re going through—including God?

If you’re unmarried, you may feel that way most of the time. You haven't yet found another person you can share your deepest, most intimate secrets with.

In the midst of our loneliness, we forget that Jesus Christ understands us even better than we understand ourselves. Jesus knows about loneliness.
Why Jesus Understands Loneliness
Jesus' disciples didn't really grasp his teachings. He was constantly at odds with the legalistic Pharisees. He bristled when people came only to see miracles and not to hear what he said.

But there was another side to Jesus' loneliness that was even more poignant. He had all the feelings and desires of a normal human being, and it's not far-fetched to believe that he also wanted to have the love of a spouse and the joy of a family.

Scripture tells us about Jesus: "For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are—yet was without sin." (Hebrews 4:15 NIV)

Wanting to be married is not a temptation, but loneliness can be. Jesus was tempted by loneliness, so he does know what you're going through.
Therapy that Gets to the Heart of the Problem
We don't take our loneliness to God as often as we should. Because it's not an audible, two-way conversation, we may wrongly assume that he's not listening. We also have the odd notion that God can't relate to our fast-paced, information-overloaded 21st century.

It Will All Pay Off. :)

"God, I know it will all pay off… I know good things come to those who wait for you, and I’m sure that you know my heart far better than I do, and you know what you are doing. It’s hard to be patient and obedient Father; especially when I see something that I always wanted pass me by, chase me, but I didn’t grab it because you told me not to. It hurts, but I do delight in letting go of myself to give way for more of you in this life. I never realized how much you wanted me until I found myself today, making a choice, maybe a choice that was not that hard, but a choice that led me to realize that my journey is not getting any easier anymore… It led me to see that I really cannot hold on to myself if I wanted to follow you. Though I have always known that, I only came to understand it when I felt the pain of slowly opening my hands and giving up even my dreams to wait for you and for your will to be unfolded before my eyes, It’s hard to not know what would be next, knowing that my dreams could possibly not be fulfilled anymore, But I trust you Father that you know what’s best, even if it means forgetting what I’ve always wanted.

This could be a turning point for me, and I would definitely not forget this, the moment when I learned to really let go of something good for the first time with no reservations at all. I really have no idea of what could be in store next for me, but instead of doubt, it gives me more security and peace; if only I knew from the start that trusting you this much would lead to this kind of contentment, then I could’ve not wasted myself trying to hold on too much on things and trying to make them work on my own. You truly make me love you more each day Lord. As I look on how I’ve walked this life so far, I can never have enough words to describe how good you are to me. Even this whole life cannot fill the gratitude I have towards your faithfulness you’ve shown me through the years. And today Father, I am not afraid to tell the world that I’m not afraid to let go of anything because I know you’re not letting me go, I’m certain that you have everything in your hand and I shouldn’t be afraid of missing anything in this life, for I know that when I have you, I have everything I need, and everything I wanted is found in you. Even if I lose anything in this life, regret won’t fill my heart because you are enough. Even if no one recognizes, cares, honors, helps, believes or looks after me, I know you do; and whenever, wherever, whatever and however I may be, I know you never change. I know it won’t be easy, but I know better how you hold everything in your hands, nothing would be too hard for you.
Once again I will say, “God I know it will pay off” I know you see my heart and my faith. I want to do your will Father, though I haven’t completely Fathomed where you’re leading me, but I want that. Wherever it is, be it.

SPIRIT AND LIFE

Jesus said, "It is the Spirit who gives life; the flesh is no help at all. The words that I have spoken to you are spirit and life" (John 6:63, ESV).

Consider the part that says, "The words that I have spoken to you are spirit and life."

His words are "spirit and life." They are not just ordinary words that we, human beings, speak.

His words are words of the Living God!

Those words are the words we read in Genesis, "Let there be..." and physical things appeared out of nothing.

God declares:

"For as the rain and the snow come down from heaven and do not return there but water the earth, making it bring forth and sprout, giving seed to the sower and bread to the eater, so shall my word be that goes out from my mouth; it shall not return to me empty, but it shall accomplish that which I purpose, and shall succeed in the thing for which I sent it" (Isaiah 55:10-11).

His words will surely accomplish the purpose that they are sent for. When Jesus called for Lazarus, "Lazarus, come out," he came out (John 11:43-44) though he was already dead for four days!

Now, during our time, what's the purpose why we have His words?

Risk

“RISK” We often think of danger, failure, bankruptcy, losing big-time! Believe it or not there are some who love Risks. It builds up excitement, unlimited potential, and reward. To remove risks from our lives leaves us stagnant, complacent, safe and maybe sorry. Don't live with regrets!

Living by ‘Risk’ is a Leap of Faith! We don’t know what God has in store for us every time we obey Him. Trusting God is risking our reputation, our future and our lives. The truth is when we ‘Leap’ when God tells us, He will always catch us. Believe Him with all our heart! Let’s not live by sight – where’s the fun in that? JUMP with JESUS!

Thanks (^_^)

Ocha Samohito

Forgiven, Reconciled and Saved?

By Paul Ellis Escape To Reality (http://escapetoreality.org) The world sure is a strange place. Just when you think you’ve seen everything, something new hits you on the side of the head. When I was growing up, the number one theological question was this one: “Once saved, always saved?” People who asked this question wanted to know whether it is possible for a Christian to lose their salvation. Well if bullfrogs and butterflies can turn back into tad-poles and caterpillars, then I guess it’s possible.  But now there’s a whole new question being asked, which is this: Is everybody saved? Many are saying yes: “Jesus is the Savior of the world. Therefore everyone is already saved, they just don’t know it.” Now before you write this off as universalist heresy, let me add that those who preach this brand of historical reconciliation do not believe everyone is going to heaven. It’s just that everyone is in until unbelief kicks them out.  Since this is a popular teaching today, I think it would be good for us to take a closer look. Let’s start with an oft-heard statement: “All are forgiven, reconciled, and saved.” To these three points I respond: (1) it’s true (we are forgiven), (2) it’s sort of true (God has reconciled the world but you still need to be reconciled), and (3) it’s not true (not all are saved).